Lumbar Spinal StenosisMedical opinion aside, the facts speak volumes. Research clearly shows no correlation between minor cases of stenotic change and the incidence of low back pain or sciatica. This same research tells that mild to moderate stenosis is to be expected in the lumbar regions of virtually every adult past middle age. However, severe stenotic alteration is known to be a primary cause of pain and a variety of disabling neurological expressions when the cauda equina is compressed definitively by an unyielding structural condition. Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Info
The
lumbar spine
is the area also known as the lower back. Stenosis is a condition which describes a narrowing of the central spinal canal. The spinal canal is the hollow passageway that contains the
spinal cord
and nerves. This canal is surrounded by the spine which offers structure and protection for the delicate neurological tissues.Spinal stenosis is common for people to experience as they get older. Most
elderly
patients will demonstrate evidence of stenosis on an
MRI
or CT scan, yet have no pain or symptoms as a result of the condition. Occasionally patients will suffer spinal nerve compression from stenosis and in these circumstances, pain and neurological dysfunction in the lower body may result. Lumbar Spinal Stenosis SymptomsMild and moderate cases of stenosis are usually pain-free conditions. Some patients experience discomfort in the lower back and often radiating into the legs and/or feet. Additional symptoms might include numbness, tingling or weakness in the back, buttocks, legs or feet. Severe stenosis is a one of the usual causes of sciatica symptoms. This lower body radicular pain syndrome is a logical result when the nerve roots which form the sciatic nerve are functionally impaired due to structural compression.Lumbar stenosis patients will often experience more pain when
standing
or walking. In the worst instances, the patient may not physically be able to do either for very long. The pain is often lessened from sitting or in certain reclined positions. This is one stenosis-specific expression that often differs from many other back pain conditions in the lumber spine. Recommendation on Lumbar Spinal StenosisI have seen patients suffering for years due to a misdiagnosed case of stenosis back pain. After years of unsuccessful treatments, and sometimes a failed back surgery, the misery persists. These patients have symptoms which are blamed on this common scapegoat condition, but turn out to be from another physical or psychological cause. Remember, stenosis in the lower lumbar and lumbosacral areas is so incredibly commonplace and most patients have mild and completely asymptomatic versions of lower back canal narrowing.Some patients do develop horrible pain and disability from spinal stenosis. This condition is rare, but can be very serious and may require invasive treatment. In these cases, surgery is sometimes the best option and can often provide an acceptable result, depending on the underlying source of the stenotic change. However, make sure that you have exhausted all conservative therapies before undergoing any surgical treatment for your spinal stenosis. Also, be 100% sure of the validity of your diagnosis before even thinking seriously about an operation. It would be a shame to endure all that trauma just to have a continued expression of pain post-surgery. Unfortunately, this happens all the time. Lumbar Spinal Stenosis to Back Pain 7/9/07 Revised 1/14/12 |
Sensei Adam Rostocki
Mission Statement
Editorial Board
Legal
Privacy Policy
Site Funding Disclosure
Source Material