What is spinal stenosis?
Lumbar canal stenosis refers to the constriction of nerves in the lower back as a result of wear and tear changes (degenerative changes) and slip disc. The nerves in the lower back are compressed by an overgrowth of bones, ligaments and disc in this condition. This condition usually affects men and women after their 60’s and can be quite disabling.
What is spinal stenosis?
Lumbar canal stenosis refers to the constriction of nerves in the lower back as a result of wear and tear changes (degenerative changes) and slip disc. The nerves in the lower back are compressed by an overgrowth of bones, ligaments and disc in this condition. This condition usually affects men and women after their 60’s and can be quite disabling.
What are the symptoms of lumbar canal stenosis?
Patients give a typical history of finding it difficult to walk or stand for a few minutes because of developing pain/tingling/numbness/heaviness in one or both legs. Their symptoms disappear when they sit down or lie down and they can walk again for a few minutes after sitting. They may also describe relief from their problem by stooping (bending) forwards. Occasionally, they may also describe weakness in the legs, foot drop or change in their urine and motion control.
Does spinal stenosis always get worse with passing years?
In some patients, this condition usually remains stable over a long period of time. But mostly, it is a progressive condition, with a gradual and slow deterioration in the ‘walking distance’ and the ‘standing time’ of the patient. Rarely, patients may report a sudden deterioration in their symptoms.
What is the treatment of lumbar canal stenosis?
Physiotherapy and exercises will help many patients and is the initial line of treatment. Most patients are able to maintain their quality of life simply by doing basic spinal exercises, with occasional use of physiotherapy.
When is surgery needed for spinal stenosis?
But if the ‘quality of life’ of a patient is significantly compromised, then a simple lumbar decompression operation can help significantly restore the ‘quality of life’. On the other hand, if a patient has already started developing paralysis because of this problem, it is advisable to go ahead with surgery.
Can Epidural injections help in lumbar canal stenosis?
Lumbar Epidural steroid injections have a very limited role in lumbar canal stenosis and may be used in patients who are not fit for surgery to give them symptomatic relief for 3-4 months.
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