Spinal stenosis is the narrowing or closing of the spinal canal (lower back) causing compression of the nerve root, pain, and neurological symptoms.
Aging is one of the main causes of spinal stenosis. Stenosis comes from Greek and means narrowing.
Stenosis can occur in the neck, thoracic, or lumbar regions.
Spinal stenosis can start in the womb with genetic or congenital problems developed by the mother. However, most cases occur with age.
Lower back pain or back pain is one of the most common complaints in offices in the United States.
Neurological symptoms can include lower back pain, weakness, or numbness in the legs, calves, or buttocks. Pain commonly occurs when the patient walks or stands still.
A computed tomography (CT scan) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be used to confirm the diagnosis.
Traditional treatments vary from anti-inflammatories, analgesics, epidural steroid injections, and physical therapy, in addition to other therapeutic modalities such as homeopathy and acupuncture among many others.
Surgery may be an option when symptoms become very severe or if neurological symptoms become serious, such as bladder dysfunction (urinary incontinence). The goal of surgery is to relieve the compressed nerve (nerve bundle) and spinal cord by increasing the space for the nerves to pass freely. Surgery can also scrape parts that create nerve compression, such as a herniated disc. A disc is a cartilage that sits between one vertebra and another, like a small cushion between the vertebrae of the spine. If the disc slips out of place and presses or compresses the nerve, it causes pain and other neurological symptoms. In this case, the nerve is called the sciatic nerve and causes what is known as sciatica.
The best way to tackle the problem of back pain is to seek help and not procrastinate.
This article is a summary of the book by lower back pain and spinal specialist Dr. Stewart Eidelson titled “Advanced Technologies to Treat Neck and Back Pain.”
DR. ALBERT LEVY
Family Practice Physician
www.manhattanfamilypractice.com