Lumbar Spinal Stenosis - Symptoms &Treatments

Spinal stenosis is a common orthopedic injury that occurs most often in the lower back and the neck. It often occurs due to degenerative problems in the discs and joints of the spine. The best ortho specialist in Madurai will help decide what treatment works for you, and get back to enjoying your favorite activities pain-free.

When Spinal Stenosis Occurs?

Spinal stenosis occurs when the space around your spinal cord narrows and causes pressure on your nerve roots. The main cause is wear-and-tear arthritis. As cartilage wears away, bone rubs against bone. This can result in an overgrowth of bone that intrudes into spinal cord space.

Other causes of spinal stenosis include herniated disks, thickened ligaments, and abnormal growths. Paget’s disease or major trauma to the spine can also lead to spinal stenosis.

When this condition is present due to back problems present at birth, it’s called congenital spinal stenosis. You’re more likely to develop spinal stenosis as you age, however. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, it usually occurs in people over 60 years old. General symptoms include back pain and numbness or weakness of the legs.

Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis

While not everyone has symptoms, those that do may experience stiffness, numbness, and back pain. Symptoms of spinal stenosis often begin gradually and worsen over time.

Such symptoms may include:

• Pain may improve with bending forward, sitting or lying down
• In rare cases, loss of motor functioning of the legs, loss of normal bowel or bladder function
• Pain radiating into one or both thighs and legs, similar to the lay term "sciatica"
• Cramping in the calves with walking, requiring frequent short rests to walk a distance
• Pain, weakness or numbness in the legs, calves or buttocks

Surgical Treatment

A patient may be considered a candidate for surgery at the best ortho hospital in Madurai if:

• The patient is in reasonably good health.
• Medications and physical therapy are not effective;
• Difficulty standing or walking;
• Loss of normal bowel and/or bladder functions;
• Progressive neurological deficits develop (leg weakness, foot drop, numbness in the limb);
• Back and leg pain limits normal activity or impairs quality of life;

The Bottom Line

You should contact your doctor from the best hospital in Madurai if you are frequently experiencing numbness, tingling, or pain in your arms, legs, feet, or hands. If left untreated, spinal stenosis could lead to significant nerve damage and prevent you from carrying out regular activities.

The author of this article is a leading ortho specialist at the best hospital in Madurai. In this article, he explains the lumbar spinal stenosis symptoms, and treatments. To learn more, visit https://www.devadosshospitals.com

Devadoss Hospital is a tertiary referral hospital with wide ranging facilities and dedicated, comprehensive team of multi-disciplinary medical experts.