Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
As Lumbar Disc degenerates and spinal facet joints become arthritic, bone spurs develop causing compression of the spinal nerves. This nerve compression is called spinal stenosis. The spinal canal becomes narrowed just like an hourglass, constricting the spinal nerves.
Symptoms of Lumbar spinal stenosis may include back pain, leg pain, numbness or weakness. Prolonged standing or walking produces these symptoms, and usually sitting can give relief.
Treatment can include anti-inflammatory medications, stretching and exercises, spinal injections and sometimes surgery. Surgery consists of restoring the diameter of the spinal canal, releasing pressure on the nerve roots. Lumbar micro decompression, laminotomy or laminectomy are the common procedure.