Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

Lumbar Spinal Stenosis, a condition that appears with the onset of aging, occurs primarily due to spinal degeneration. In this condition, the narrowing of the spinal canal occurs resulting in an abnormal pressure on the spinal cord and the nerves associated with it. This is accompanied by either a lower back pain or a pain radiating downwards in the legs. The degree of pain and the frequency usually varies from one individual to another.

This disorder can occur both in the cervical and lumbar regions, and it has been systematically observed that both men and women have been equally affected in the lumbar region. Sometimes this disorder can be congenital with imperfections in the spine segments. Conditions such as a herniated disc, calcification and build up of scar tissues, tumors or osteoporosis in combination with aging can also cause this disorder.

Diagnosis of Spinal Stenosis

Spinal Stenosis is diagnosed by a thorough study of the patient’s medical history alongside a thorough physical examination. The physician tries to ascertain if the subject under test has lost any degree of motion. Advanced diagnostic tools such as X-rays, MRI, CAT scan, myelogram, and bone scan might also be used for confirming the initial diagnosis.

Common treatments for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

Temporary relief can be obtained by the use of hot packs and therapeutic exercises. The blood flow can be stimulated by means of a massage, and the swelling accompanied in this disorder is usually reduced by using corticosteroid injections. Some of the commonly recommended medications include acetaminophen (Tylenol) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Advanced treatments like Ultrasound and electrical stimulation are also used sometimes. Surgery is expensive and is usually resorted to as the last option. However, since many of the traditional treatment methods are focused around mitigating the pain and symptoms, a number of doctors criticize them.

Other therapies for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

Sometimes trigger point therapy, far-infrared heat treatment, muscle balance therapy, or proteolytic enzyme therapy are advised to patients suffering from this disorder. Doctors usually have to experiment with these treatments as different people respond differently to each treatment. For example, the trigger points in people are located at different places and it is necessary for a person to find his/her trigger point to maximize the benefit of the trigger point therapy.

In some countries such as the United States, spinal stenosis is considered to be a disabling condition. As with any condition, we recommend you research all options and remain positive.