Patients with lumbar spinal stenosis face a long road of pain management. Many deal with recurring neurological problems or radiating numbness. Those diagnosed with spinal stenosis have a range of treatment options available to them, but will likely never be completely free of their symptoms. Because many adults face this disease in later life, it is a good idea to understand its possible causes. Preventative measures and discussing Back pain with a doctor during regular checkups can ensure a healthy lower back for much of an individual's lifetime.
Identifying Spinal StenosisThose who believe they may be suffering from lumbar spinal stenosis should seek a physician's advice. An MRI can diagnose the condition in any area of the spine, and confirm the exact region to identify possible treatment options.
Once spinal stenosis has been diagnosed, a doctor will want to confirm the cause. This will help improve the quality of treatment and prevent further injury. In the case of a tumor or certain diseases, immediate action may be necessary to ensure the well-being of the patient. This is especially true of malignant cancers, which are commonly fatal when found in the spine.
Most Common CausesIn older individuals, lumbar spinal stenosis is often the result of Arthritis of the spine. This typically occurs after middle age.
Bone diseases are often the cause of spinal stenosis. These includes Paget's disease, which can cause enlarged or malformed vertebrae. Achondroplasia, the disease commonly associated with dwarfism, can also result in this condition.
When a spinal disk is herniated, or moved out of place, it can result in spinal stenosis. This cause may be more common among athletes and middle-aged men. It usually occurs after a strenuous activity. Some congenital defects can be a risk factor for a herniated disk. Any other spinal injury that creates pressure on the spinal cord can also result in a similar form of spinal stenosis.
Many different types of tumors that occur in the spine may result in spinal stenosis. As they grow in size, symptoms may get worse. The rapid nature of some cancers can result in a very rapid increase, over time, of an individual's pain.
The difference between lumbar spinal stenosis and cervical spinal stenosis is mainly the location of the problem. however, between the two lumbar spinal stenosis is the more severe form of stenosis.
Lumbar spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the back bone. This is a form of arthritis due to getting older. The bone in your back will curve which causes pain.
Lumbar stenosis is arthritis of the spinal cord which can cause severe back pain. It causes the spinal cord cavity to narrow and to put pressure on the nerves.
stenosis
Not typical of lumbar spinal stenosis because the claudication is not affecting the descending long tracts of the spinal cord which terminates at L1.
It is horrible. Your back never stops hurting and it causes your knees and ankles to hurt also. Answer Pain, numbness, weakness or tingling in the arms/hands and the legs may indicate cervical spinal stenosis. Patients with lumbar spinal stenosis experience the same symptoms but limited to the lower back, legs, and feet.
The word "stenosis" is Greek, and it means "a narrowing or constricting space" or "chocking." From a medical standpoint, spinal stenosis refers to the narrowing or constricting at some point within the spine where the spinal cord and nerve roots are located. The constriction or pressure that is applied because the space is narrow causes the spine to be pressed on or chocked, and eventually irritated. When this occurs in the low back or lumbar region of the spine it is called lumbar spinal stenosis. This is the most common location of spinal stenosis, with only a small amount of cervical (neck) spinal stenosis by comparison. When lumbar spinal stenosis occurs it is usually as a result of osteoarthritis. The disc thinning, spur formation, thickening of nearby ligaments and almost constant inflammation that are related to osteoarthritis reduce the space available for the spinal cord and spinal nerves, causing secondary inflammation and pain in the low back. In addition it can also cause sciatic neuritis pain in the leg or legs.
Symptoms of lumbar spinal Stenosis include numbness, weakness, cramping, or pain in the legs, feet, or buttock; stiffness in legs and thighs; low back pain. In severe cases, loss of bladder and bowel control. Answer Pain, numbness, weakness or tingling in the arms/hands and the legs may indicate cervical spinal stenosis. Patients with lumbar spinal stenosis experience the same symptoms but limited to the lower back, legs, and feet.
Neurological claudication is a symptom of lumbar spinal stenosis. It is basically inflammation of the nerves in the spinal cord.
The first and easiest place to obtain information on lumbar spinal stenosis is your doctor. They will be able to diagnose you, discuss with you treatment options and prognosis, and be a source of support and comfort. You can also find information online.
Lumbar stenosis is a condition that occurs when the spinal canal becomes narrowed. The lumbar area is within the lower back and as a result of this narrowing, significant pressure is placed on the spinal cord and nerves become compressed. The following outlines the symptoms of lumbar stenosis, its causes and treatment methods.SymptomsThe symptoms of lumbar stenosis occur due to nerve compression. Lower back pain that spreads to the legs is the main symptom of lumbar stenosis. Leg pain intensifies with walking and often dissipates when the individual is sitting down or leaning forward. Pain in the legs is often accompanied by tingling, weakness and numbness.CausesLumbar stenosis is caused by changes in the spine that occur as a result of aging and osteoarthritis. This causes changes in the size and shape of the spinal canal and can lead to the development of bone spurs, loss of cartilage and the thickening of ligaments.Degenerative disc disease is another condition that can cause lumbar stenosis. This condition occurs as a result of aging and causes changes in spinal discs, making them less flexible as a result of loss fluid. Lumbar stenosis can also be caused by spondylolisthesis, a condition that causes one vertebra to slip onto other vertebra. Herniated discs and injury also play a role in the development of lumbar stenosis.TreatmentIn most cases of lumbar stenosis, a conservative approach to treatment is effective and surgery is not necessary. Physical therapy is often helpful and typically involves a regimen of increasing flexibility and strengthening exercises, with the focus on building strength within the back and core muscles. Cortisone injections can reduce swelling and minimize pain. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can alleviate pain and also have anti-inflammatory properties, which can relieve swelling and inflammation that occurs around nerves.If steroid injections, physical therapy and medications are not effective at treating pain and swelling, surgery is often the next potential treatment. A laminectomy is a surgical procedure that removes anything that causes compression of the nerves, including ligaments, bone and bone spurs. During a spinal fusion, a surgeon fuses multiple vertebrae together.
It means moderate spinal stenosis. Spinal stenosis (or narrowing) is a common condition that occurs when the small spinal canal, which contains the spinal cord, becomes compressed. This causes a 'pinching' of the spinal cord and/or nerve roots, which leads to pain, cramping, weakness or numbness.