Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

What is lumbar spinal stenosis?
Stenosis, also known as “spinal narrowing,” is just that. In spinal stenosis, the spine narrows, causing spinal cord compression (myelopathy) and the nerves (radiculopathy). Lumbar spinal stenosis is a compression problem in your lower back region.

Lumbar spinal stenosis commonly results from osteoarthritis or “wear and tear” that naturally occurs over time. However, as time goes on, symptoms tend to worsen gradually. Approximately 21% of all persons over the age of 60 have lumbar spinal stenosis. This wear and tear can result in:

  • Degenerative arthritis (resulting in loss of cartilage, hypertrophy, osteophytes, or degenerative disc disease)
  • Spinal tumors
  • Spinal infections
  • Metabolic bone disorders

Symptoms

Lumbar spinal stenosis results from and can cause a range of different problems. Symptoms include and are not limited to:

  • Numbness
  • Pain and loss of sensation in the legs
  • Weakness throughout the body
  • Lower back pain
  • Loss of bladder and bowel control
  • Loss of sexual activity

Diagnosis

For the physician to diagnose lumbar spinal stenosis, the patient must provide a detailed medical history with a follow-up physical examination. In addition, the physician may order an MRI to show the spinal stenosis and spinal cord compression.

Treatments

Every case of lumbar spinal stenosis is unique to each patient. Discover which treatment is best for your needs by contacting our office to schedule an evaluation.