Stenosis is a condition in which the nerves of the lumbar spine are compressed. It is caused by thickening of the bones of the lumbar spine, most often resulting from wear and tear associated with age.

Symptoms of spinal stenosis may include backache, backache with accompanying leg pains, or simply leg pains. Pain in the legs is often made worse by walking and may cause weakness in the legs. Most often, patients with spinal stenosis have a history of backaches and recent onset of leg pains. They may walk leaning forward, because this relieves compression on the nerves. Leg pain may be relieved by sitting.

Patient history and physical findings during the examination are important aspects of diagnosing spinal stenosis, however, an MRI or CT/myelogram are utilized.

What Causes It?

Spinal stenosis is most often the result of the progressive wear and tear associated with age.

What is the Treatment?

Prescribed anti-inflammatory medication and exercise offer most people relief from symptoms. However, if after two weeks you have experienced no relief, your doctor may recommend steroid injections near the affected nerves.

Surgical treatment may be considered if the symptoms are persistently disabling and other more conservative measures of treatment have failed. Prolonged use of non-operative treatment without effective relief can result in scarring of the nerve and pain, which may be difficult to treat.

Select from the topics below to get more information on problems associated with the spine.
 

Inflammation	Scoliosis
Osteoarthritis	Spinal Stenosis
Whiplash	Work-Related Injuries -- Lower Back
Herniated Disc	Work-Related Injuries -- Upper Back
Fracture	Return to Spine