Is Lumbar Stenosis Treatable?
Lumbar stenosis can cause pain, discomfort, and weakness in your body and strongly impact how you live out your days.
Though lumbar stenosis cannot be completely cured, it can be treated and managed. Multiple treatment options are available, and our team at Dickinson Neurological Surgery can guide you toward the right solution for you so you can significantly enhance your quality of life.
Read on to find out more details of lumbar stenosis, why early treatment matters, and the various options that are available to you.
What Is Lumbar Stenosis?
Lumbar stenosis refers to a condition where the spinal canal in your lower back narrows. It can cause numbness, leg weakness, lower back pain, and cramping. It may also lead to pain when you walk or stand that goes away when you bend forward or sit down.
Your spine’s lumbar region, also known as your lower back, is made up of five vertebrae that are between your pelvis and ribs. When you have lumbar stenosis, the narrowing of your spinal canal causes pressure to be placed on the nerves in this region, leading to painful and/or uncomfortable symptoms.
How is Lumbar Stenosis Caused?
Lumbar stenosis most commonly stems from age-related degenerative changes in your spine. With age, your spine can weaken, and you become more susceptible to osteoarthritis, herniated or bulging discs, bone spurs, or thickened ligaments. These changes can cause your spinal canal to narrow and place pressure on nerves in the lumbar region.
It can also be caused by spinal tumors, spinal deformities (such as scoliosis), traumatic injuries, and inherited conditions. It’s important to identify the source of the pain first before you can determine what your next steps are.
Common Symptoms
Lumbar stenosis can cause symptoms that affect your lower back, legs, and buttocks. The following key symptoms are common:
- A loss of strength or function in your legs
- Bladder and bowel control issues
- Calf cramps when you walk
- Pain that starts at your spine and goes down through your thighs and legs
- Relief from pain when sitting or bending forward
- Weakness, stiffness, pain, or tingling in the buttocks or legs
Why Does Early Treatment Matter?
Early treatment is helpful for lumbar stenosis, and it can improve your prognosis. This is because it gives you a chance to explore noninvasive options first before looking into other measures like surgery.
The best way to move forward if you suspect you might have lumbar stenosis is to see a doctor. They will be able to help with testing and a potential diagnosis, as well as walk you through next steps.
Your doctor will perform a neurological exam to test the following:
- Numbness
- Muscle strength
- Reflexes
- Walking ability
After these tests have been completed, you may require further testing. X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans may be necessary for more information.
What Treatment Options Exist for Lumbar Stenosis?
Once you receive an official diagnosis of lumbar stenosis, there are several treatment options available to you—medications, injections, physical therapy, and in serious cases, surgery.
If you’re experiencing mild to moderate pain, over-the-counter medications might do the trick for you. Cortisone injections are another option, and they are injected near irritated spinal nerves. You can also try physical therapy if recommended by a professional. All of these options may be enough to provide the relief you need.
In instances where pain is persistent or normal functions are disrupted, it might be time to consider spinal surgery. For uncomplicated disc herniations, they can actually be completed in an outpatient setting where you can go home within just a few hours.
Lumbar Stenosis Treatment in Idaho Falls and Rexburg
Dickinson Neurological Surgery is dedicated to providing individualized care for people in the Idaho Falls and Rexburg areas facing conditions that affect the brain and the spine. We offer treatment for lumbar stenosis, cervical stenosis, brain tumors, spine tumors, spinal compression, peroneal nerve issues, and complex spinal neck and back disorders.
Our neurosurgeons have specialized training for these complex conditions and can help you find the best option for lumbar stenosis treatment based on your symptoms and personal needs.
FAQs
What is lumbar stenosis?
Lumbar stenosis is a narrowing of your spinal canal in your lower back that leads to weakness, pain, numbness, and cramping.
Who is at risk for lumbar stenosis?
Adults over the age of 50 face a higher risk of developing lumbar stenosis, but it can happen earlier as well.
Why does leaning forward help with lumbar stenosis symptoms?
Leaning forward can temporarily relieve symptoms of lumbar stenosis because it can widen your spinal canal for a moment.
Do you have to get surgery for lumbar stenosis?
No, you do not necessarily have to have surgery for lumbar stenosis. If the condition is addressed early on, it increases your chances that it can be addressed through noninvasive measures.
When is surgery necessary for lumbar stenosis?
If your symptoms persist after trying non-surgical options and your quality of life is significantly impacted, surgery might be necessary.
Reach Out Today
At Dickinson Neurological Surgery, we are dedicated to providing solutions for brain and spine conditions for our Idaho Falls and Rexburg communities.
If you’re facing symptoms similar to those described for lumbar stenosis, we encourage you to visit a location near you so we can help with testing, diagnosis, and treatment.
For more information on how we can help, connect with us today.