What Causes Spinal Lumbar Stenosis

The lumbar spine, or lower back, is the most common area for spinal stenosis and other spine injuries to occur. Spinal stenosis refers to a state in which the spinal canal becomes narrower than usual, potentially compressing the spinal cord or nerve roots. The condition can be caused by a number of underlying issues, but is normally treatable.

Causes

Many conditions can cause stenosis, but some of the most common causes include:

• Vertebral fracture, in which one or more of the vertebrae sustains a fracture
• Bulging disc, a condition in which a spinal disc becomes misshapen
• Herniated discs, which occur when a disc ruptures
• Sponylolisthesis, which happens when one vertebrae slides over another
• Bone spurs, abnormal deposits of calcium on the vertebrae

Anyone can get spinal stenosis, but it's more common in older people, obese people, and people who are very active. Obese people can reduce their risk by losing weight, while active people can reduce their risk by avoiding over-training and using proper form.

The symptoms of all of these conditions can mirror one another; varying degrees of pain, muscle weakness in the legs, and numbness in the legs are all common. Because the symptoms can be so similar, the doctor will have to use diagnostic tests in addition to physical examination to make a diagnosis. X-rays and MRIs are two examples of tests that may be used.

Treatment

There are many treatments for spinal lumbar stenosis; the right one for you depends largely on the underlying cause of the condition. In addition, issues like the severity of your symptoms and how you've responded to past treatments will play a role in your doctor's recommendations. Some of the possible treatments include:

• Physical therapy, followed by regular exercise
• Chiropractic treatment
• Open spine surgery
• Epidural steroid injections
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Stem cell therapy
• Laser spine surgery

Scheduling a consultation with a trusted physician is the first step towards diagnosing and treating your back pain. To schedule a consultation about treatment for your spinal lumbar stenosis, please click below and enter your information or call the Datta Endoscopic Back Surgery and Pain Center at (646) 374-179.