Overview
Lumbar spinal stenosis is a neurospine medical condition in which the spaces between the spinal region narrow down. Here in this blog, we will share some interesting insights on the symptoms, causes, and treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis.
Summary
- Lumbar spinal stenosis involves the narrowing down of the spaces between the spinal region.
- The older patients are more prone to this condition as compared to the younger ones.
- The symptoms associated with this condition may include pain, tingling, muscle cramps, numbness, and loss of normal functioning of the legs or gall bladder.
- Bone overgrowth or Paget’s disease is a condition that may be observed as a result of wear and tear of the bones, ligaments, or joints.
- Some of the most common diagnostic imaging tests recommended for this condition may include X-ray, MRI, CT scan, or myelogram.
- The non-surgical treatment options may include anti-inflammatory pain medications, epidural injections, and physical therapy sessions.
- Surgery is the only option left if all other non-surgical treatments are not proving beneficial.
What is a Lumbar Spinal Stenosis?
The lumbar spine is the lower region of the spine formed by a total of 5 vertebrae. It is located between the ribs and pelvic region. This condition involves the narrowing down of the spaces between the spinal area. It ultimately results in the compression of the nerves that travel back to the legs.
The occurrence of this condition may take years to evolve as a consequence of the slow progression. The older patients are more prone to this condition as compared to the younger ones. It is a degenerative condition that usually occurs in people after the 60’s as the disk sponginess reduces over time. Such patients are also diagnosed with spurs in the bones, ligaments, or joints.
Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Symptoms
Sometimes there are no symptoms observed in patients suffering from spinal stenosis of the lumbar region. Often these patients may experience the following mentioned symptoms:
- Sharp or radiating pain in the lower back region traveling to the legs or Sciatica.
- A tingling sensation in the lower back or calves region.
- Muscle cramps with walking.
- Muscle weakness.
- Loss of normal functioning of the legs or bladder.
- Numbness in the legs or buttock region.
Conditions Associated with Spinal Stenosis of the Lumbar Region
The two most common conditions observed in patients suffering from this disease may include:
- Spondylolisthesis.
- Scoliosis.
Lower back pain evolves in aged patients who have scoliosis. There is a slow progression of pain noticed in such patients. Both surgical and non-surgical options are commonly available, and reliable treatment opted for this condition. In contrast, spondylolisthesis may occur as a consequence of Osteoarthritis.
Causes Behind Spinal Stenosis of the Lumbar Region
The spinal region or backbone is the area that covers the space between the neck and lower back. The spinal bones usually protect this area, including the nerves. The most common causes associated with this condition may include:
- Bone overgrowth or Paget’s disease is a condition that may be observed as a result of wear and tear of the bones, ligaments, or joints.
- Abnormal growth or tumor formation within the spinal cord region can also be considered as a major cause behind this condition.
- Bulging out of the ligaments.
- Disc herniation.
- A sudden or traumatic accident that may cause fracture or dislocation in the vertebral column.
Diagnosis
Only a specialized neurosurgeon can recommend diagnostic tests after assessing your medical condition, history, and symptoms. He will make a final decision after the evaluation and examination of your test results. Some of the most common diagnostic imaging tests recommended for this condition may include:
- X-ray: This test may help create an image through focused radiation around the area covered by bones or ligaments.
- MRI or CT scan: These tests are usually recommended for detailed bone anatomy. MRI is a computerized test that accurately detects the area that is enlarged or degenerated.
- Myelogram: This is a comparatively advanced test highlighting the pressured nerves and spinal cord region through a dye injected in the spinal area.
Associated Risk Factors
Aging can be considered one of the integral factors that may result in this condition’s evolution. The degeneration of the lumbar region can also cause spinal stenosis. Such conditions may include a traumatic accident, spinal deformation, scoliosis or spondylolisthesis, etc.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
Different non-surgical options can be used to treat spinal stenosis of the lumbar region. These options are not only practical and reliable; also, they can offer recovery too if your condition is not that severe. Some of these options may include:
- Use of anti-inflammatory pain medications for the alleviation of pain and inflammation.
- Use of non-prescribed medications in case of severe, sharp, or radiating pain.
- Regular physical therapy sessions to protect the spine and to enhance its flexibility
- Use of epidural injections to reduce swelling or inflammation of the affected region.
Surgical Treatment Options
Surgery is the only option left if all other non-surgical treatments are not proving beneficial. Your neurosurgeon may offer different surgical options depending upon your case severity.
When to Seek Surgical Option?
You are an ideal candidate for surgical treatment, if:
- You are experiencing back and leg pain that limits your normal functioning.
- Development of neurological disorders such as weakness or numbness of the limbs.
- Inability to move, stand, or walk.
A neurosurgeon can offer different surgical options depending upon your case severity. For instance, spinal fusion can be considered a tremendous surgical tool for the treatment of spinal instability. This procedure develops a strong union between the two vertebrae.
Don’t panic. Liberate yourself from pain and consult our team of expert neurosurgeons today for the ultimate spine care you deserve.