Anyone who suffers from lumbar spinal stenosis understands the difficulty of dealing with severe back pain that is caused by a compression of the vertebrae of the spine. Patients with this disease will experience a narrowing of the spinal column that can result in extreme pain. The causes for this malady can vary. In some cases, the natural process of aging can precipitate this condition. For other patients, degenerative arthritis may be the cause. But, whatever the cause, the condition can be extremely painful and can severely limit mobility for sufferers.
The spine consists of many separate joints. When the cartilage that is between the bones in each of these joints begins to wear away, a number of problems can result. Osteophytes, or bone spurs can form as can overgrowth of ligaments. As the space that is available for nerves becomes scarce, pressure on these delicate nerves can occur. This condition is called lumbar spinal stenosis. Besides normal aging or degenerative arthritis, there are a few other factors that can cause stenosis in the lumbar, or lower region of the spine. An infection or tumor can precede the condition. There are also a number of metabolic bone diseases that can have a negative impact as well. Younger individuals with curvature of the spine may exhibit signs of this condition. Injuries to the spine can also precipitate the condition.
Sitting is usually far less painful than standing for those who suffer from lumbar spinal stenosis. When standing, the nerves within the spine must endure more compression and significant pain can result. The symptoms of this condition can include pain in the lower back, numbness, weakness, or a general loss of sensation in the legs. Walking can cause shooting pains to travel down the leg. Rest can help to alleviate symptoms, but if degenerative arthritis is involved, the condition will usually begin to worsen. Without treatment, serious complications may occur. In extreme cases, a loss of the ability to utilize the legs or a loss of bladder or bowel control are among the unfortunate complications of lumbar spinal stenosis. There are a number of other diseases that can also have symptoms similar to stenosis of the lower back including vascular claudication, diabetic neuropathy or peripheral vascular disease. As individuals age, there are natural occurrences in the spine that can change spinal canal's size and shape. Connective ligaments will tend to thicken. Bone spurs can push painfully on the nerves of the spinal cord. Discs can become pushed into the canal of the spine. All of these factors can add to the narrowing of the spinal column.
Diagnosis of lumbar spinal stenosis may be accomplished through imaging technologies such as the x-ray, the CT scan or the MRI. If the condition is not too far advanced, pain medications used in conjunction with physical therapy and appropriate exercise. In some cases, corticosteroids can be administered to the afflicted area through a shot in the spine. Corticosteroids can reduce inflammation and thereby cut back on pain. But there is a drawback to this type of steroid treatment. Shots should not be given too often as there can be serious side effects. Surgery may also be a viable answer. Such operations will remove any tissue and bone that may be pressing on the nerves of the spine. The spine will, in some cases, need to be stabilized and this may be done through a procedure called spinal fusion. While surgeries of this nature can be helpful in relieving symptoms, if the condition is a longstanding one, there may be permanent damage present. When this is the case, surgery, no matter how successful, will not usually alleviate all of the patient's pain. Taking care of the back is an important part of keeping up with overall health. If the back is not functioning properly, every aspect of a patient's life will be negatively impacted. However, if degenerative arthritis is a factor, the best preventative measures will not be able to completely ward off lumbar spinal stenosis. Surgery can help to correct such serious issues as a loss of bowel or bladder control and weakness in the legs.
Assuming that degenerative arthritis in not a factor, there are a number of steps that an individual can take to help to prevent the onset of lumbar spinal stenosis. Since the natural process of aging can be a contributing factor, there is no way to completely keep this condition from occurring. But there are some useful steps that can be helpful in holding off this painful disease. Regular exercise will support flexibility and ensure that the individual maintains a healthy body weight. Eliminating extra pounds and remembering good posture can help to promote spinal health as well. Smoking can have a negative impact on bone density and can help to increase the chances of the onset of lumbar spinal stenosis. Injuries in the home can cause damage to the spine as well. Taking steps to limit the likelihood of such accidents is wise. Any obstacles that could result in falls such as clutter, loose rugs, slippery floors, or random electrical cords should be dealt with. An overindulgence in alcohol or the careless use of sedatives could also result in accidental injury. Wearing low heals and comfortable shoes can also limit the possibility of taking a tumble. The Bible instructs believers to treat one another with compassion and courtesy. "Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous." (1 Peter 3:8)
The spine consists of many separate joints. When the cartilage that is between the bones in each of these joints begins to wear away, a number of problems can result. Osteophytes, or bone spurs can form as can overgrowth of ligaments. As the space that is available for nerves becomes scarce, pressure on these delicate nerves can occur. This condition is called lumbar spinal stenosis. Besides normal aging or degenerative arthritis, there are a few other factors that can cause stenosis in the lumbar, or lower region of the spine. An infection or tumor can precede the condition. There are also a number of metabolic bone diseases that can have a negative impact as well. Younger individuals with curvature of the spine may exhibit signs of this condition. Injuries to the spine can also precipitate the condition.
Sitting is usually far less painful than standing for those who suffer from lumbar spinal stenosis. When standing, the nerves within the spine must endure more compression and significant pain can result. The symptoms of this condition can include pain in the lower back, numbness, weakness, or a general loss of sensation in the legs. Walking can cause shooting pains to travel down the leg. Rest can help to alleviate symptoms, but if degenerative arthritis is involved, the condition will usually begin to worsen. Without treatment, serious complications may occur. In extreme cases, a loss of the ability to utilize the legs or a loss of bladder or bowel control are among the unfortunate complications of lumbar spinal stenosis. There are a number of other diseases that can also have symptoms similar to stenosis of the lower back including vascular claudication, diabetic neuropathy or peripheral vascular disease. As individuals age, there are natural occurrences in the spine that can change spinal canal's size and shape. Connective ligaments will tend to thicken. Bone spurs can push painfully on the nerves of the spinal cord. Discs can become pushed into the canal of the spine. All of these factors can add to the narrowing of the spinal column.
Diagnosis of lumbar spinal stenosis may be accomplished through imaging technologies such as the x-ray, the CT scan or the MRI. If the condition is not too far advanced, pain medications used in conjunction with physical therapy and appropriate exercise. In some cases, corticosteroids can be administered to the afflicted area through a shot in the spine. Corticosteroids can reduce inflammation and thereby cut back on pain. But there is a drawback to this type of steroid treatment. Shots should not be given too often as there can be serious side effects. Surgery may also be a viable answer. Such operations will remove any tissue and bone that may be pressing on the nerves of the spine. The spine will, in some cases, need to be stabilized and this may be done through a procedure called spinal fusion. While surgeries of this nature can be helpful in relieving symptoms, if the condition is a longstanding one, there may be permanent damage present. When this is the case, surgery, no matter how successful, will not usually alleviate all of the patient's pain. Taking care of the back is an important part of keeping up with overall health. If the back is not functioning properly, every aspect of a patient's life will be negatively impacted. However, if degenerative arthritis is a factor, the best preventative measures will not be able to completely ward off lumbar spinal stenosis. Surgery can help to correct such serious issues as a loss of bowel or bladder control and weakness in the legs.
Assuming that degenerative arthritis in not a factor, there are a number of steps that an individual can take to help to prevent the onset of lumbar spinal stenosis. Since the natural process of aging can be a contributing factor, there is no way to completely keep this condition from occurring. But there are some useful steps that can be helpful in holding off this painful disease. Regular exercise will support flexibility and ensure that the individual maintains a healthy body weight. Eliminating extra pounds and remembering good posture can help to promote spinal health as well. Smoking can have a negative impact on bone density and can help to increase the chances of the onset of lumbar spinal stenosis. Injuries in the home can cause damage to the spine as well. Taking steps to limit the likelihood of such accidents is wise. Any obstacles that could result in falls such as clutter, loose rugs, slippery floors, or random electrical cords should be dealt with. An overindulgence in alcohol or the careless use of sedatives could also result in accidental injury. Wearing low heals and comfortable shoes can also limit the possibility of taking a tumble. The Bible instructs believers to treat one another with compassion and courtesy. "Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous." (1 Peter 3:8)
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