What is Lumbar Spinal Stenosis?
What Causes Lumbar Spinal Stenosis?
Age-related wear and tear
Natural degeneration of the spinal discs or joints.
Herniated discs
Bulging discs can compress the nerves in the spinal canal.
Spinal injuries
Injuries to the spine can initiate or accelerate the narrowing process.
Bone overgrowth
Excess bone, often due to osteoarthritis, can create additional narrowing.
Understanding the underlying cause is essential for addressing the condition effectively.
Symptoms of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
The symptoms of lumbar spinal stenosis can vary in severity and may include:
Persistent lower back pain
Weakness or numbness in the legs or lower extremities
Difficulty standing or walking for extended periods
Relief from symptoms when sitting or leaning forward
How a Dedicated Orthopaedic Center Can Help
Services and Treatment Options
Our approach to treating lumbar spinal stenosis begins with understanding your condition and offering a range of non-surgical and surgical options, including:
Non-Surgical Options:
Lifestyle modifications
Recommendations to reduce strain on the lower spine, such as adopting correct posture and engaging in monitored physical activities.
Physical therapy
Exercises focused on strengthening muscles and improving flexibility to alleviate symptoms.
Pain management
Various treatments like medications or minimally invasive injections to manage pain and inflammation.
Surgical Procedures:
For severe cases, surgical procedures like decompression surgeries are designed to relieve pressure on the nerves, providing long-term relief.
Common types of decompression surgeries include
- Laminectomy– decompression laminectomy , where a portion of the vertebra is removed to create more space for the spinal cord or nerves, and
- discectomy, which involves removing part or all of a herniated disc that is compressing nearby nerves. In some cases, a spinal fusion may also be performed to stabilize the affected area after decompression. Each procedure is tailored to address the specific cause of nerve compression and improve the patient’s quality of life.
Throughout the process, our goal is to ensure that every patient feels informed, supported, and comfortable making decisions about their care.
