Overview
What Is Lumbar Canal Stenosis?
Lumbar canal stenosis is the narrowing of the spinal canal or the tunnels through which nerves and other structures communicate with that canal. Narrowing of the spinal canal usually occurs due to changes associated with aging that decrease the size of the canal, including the movement of one of the vertebrae out of alignment.
The narrowing of the spinal canal or the side canals that protect the nerves often results in a pinching of the nerve root of the spinal cord. The nerves become increasingly irritated as the diameter of the canal becomes narrower.
What Are The Symptoms Of Lumbar Canal Stenosis?
The symptoms of lumbar canal stenosis include pain, numbness or weakness in the legs, groin, hips, buttocks, and lower back. Symptoms usually worsen when walking or standing and might decrease when lying down, sitting, or leaning slightly forward.
How Is Lumbar Canal Stenosis Diagnosed?
The diagnosis of lumbar canal stenosis is based on a thorough clinical exam and medical history. At times, radiographic tests might be helpful in confirming a diagnosis.
What Are The Treatment Options?
Since the aging of the spine is a natural and irreversible process, non-operative treatment options are aimed at removing pressure from the nerves to allow them to function more normally. Removing pressure from the nerves, in turn, will help relieve the pain associated with lumbar canal stenosis. Non-operative treatment options include physical therapy, medicine, and pain therapy.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapists can work with you to develop an appropriate exercise program. The exercises prescribed by your therapist can help relieve pressure from your nerves, reducing the symptoms of pain and weakness.
Medicines
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) or pain-relieving medicines (analgesics) might be prescribed to decrease pain and increase your activity level. These medicines might be taken as pills, nasal sprays, or injections. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen, might be effective as well.
Pain Therapy
An injection of a cortisone-like medicine into the lower back might help reduce swelling and inflammation of the nerve roots. These injections are sometimes called epidural or nerve blocks.
When Is Surgery Necessary?
A surgical procedure called a laminectomy is used treat lumbar canal stenosis for people who have progressive symptoms that could cause serious damage. Surgery also might be prescribed to treat people who have persistent symptoms, despite medical treatment. During a laminectomy, the central tunnels of the vertebrae are opened and nerve pressure is relieved.
A newer surgical procedure involves the placement of a bullet-shaped metal spacer (x-stop) between vertebral spinous processes, mechanically optimizing the diameter of the spinal canal.
Is This The Same Thing As A Disc Prolapse?
Lumbar canal stenosis is not the same thing as a ruptured disc. A ruptured (or herniated) disc usually pinches one or two nerves at a time. The pain caused by a pinched nerve in the lumbar spine is called sciatica and is usually easy to diagnose. Sciatica usually causes back pain that shoots down one leg. This pain can happen any time, not just when you stand up or start walking.
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