What are the Signs and Symptoms of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis?

Back pain is something most people feel at one point in life. As people age their spines age, leading to a narrowing of the spinal canal. This narrowing of the spinal canal in the lower back is called lumbar spinal stenosis.

Spinal Stenosis

• Spinal stenosis is a condition characterized by the narrowing of the area around the spinal cord. This makes pressure on the spinal cord and the associated spinal nerves.

Cause of Spinal Stenosis

• Age can be the cause of spinal stenosis as can arthritis. Arthritis is the degeneration or breaking down of joints.

Symptoms

• Common symptoms of spinal stenosis include: back pain; burning pain down in the buttocks or legs that is commonly known as sciatica; numbness and tingling down in the buttocks or legs; weakness in the legs; foot drop; and pain that stops when you sit or lean forward.

Nonsurgical Treatments

• Many nonsurgical treatments are available for spinal stenosis. Treatments include: physical therapy, traction, NSAID medication, steroid injections, acupuncture and chiropractic treatments.

Surgical Treatments

• If the spinal stenosis progresses and nonsurgical treatments don't bring relief, surgery may be an option. Surgical interventions include laminectomy and spinal fusion.