Lumbar Spinal Stenosis is a common condition, but it is becoming more prevalent due to the aging of the population. Fortunately, lumbar decompression surgery remains a viable intervention for addressing compressed nerves in the lower (lumbar) spine.
The main goal of lumbar decompression is to relieve symptoms, such as persistent leg pain and numbness, caused by nerve compression in the spine.
How Does Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Cause Pain And Numbness?
Your spinal cord, a bundle of nerves, traverses a tunnel formed by your vertebrae, known as the spinal canal. Lumbar spinal stenosis occurs when the spinal canal narrows in the lower part of your back. This narrowing can pressure the spinal cord and nerves connecting to the muscles. (While spinal stenosis can manifest in any part of your spine, it predominantly occurs in the lower back, known as the lumbar area) This region comprises five lumbar vertebrae connecting your upper spine to your pelvis.
If you have Lumbar Spinal Stenosis, you might encounter challenges walking long distances or need to lean forward to alleviate pressure on your lower back. Pain or numbness in your legs may also be present, and in more severe cases, difficulties in controlling bowel and bladder function may arise. It’s important to note that while there is no cure for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis, it can be treated.
What Causes Lumbar Spinal Stenosis?
The leading cause of spinal stenosis is often osteoarthritis, a gradual wear-and-tear process affecting joints over time. This condition is common because most people’s spines begin to undergo changes caused by osteoarthritis. Hence, individuals aged 50 or older are more likely to develop symptoms of spinal stenosis.Women also face a higher risk of developing spinal stenosis than men.
Beyond osteoarthritis, other conditions or circumstances can contribute to spinal stenosis, including a narrow spinal canal, spinal injuries, tumors, certain bone diseases, past spinal surgery, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Symptoms
Lumbar spinal stenosis may be asymptomatic in its early stages, with symptoms developing gradually over time. These symptoms encompass back pain, sciatica characterized by burning pain from the buttocks down into the legs, and sensations of numbness, tingling, cramping, or weakness in the legs. Advanced cases may manifest as the loss of sensation in the feet or “foot drop,” where weakness in a foot causes it to slap down when walking. Additionally, there may be a loss of sexual ability.
If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek urgent medical attention immediately:
- Loss of bowel or bladder control
- Intense or increasing numbness in the legs
- Severe pain and weakness spreading to one or both legs, making walking or standing difficult.
How is Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Diagnosed?
Diagnosing lumbar spinal stenosis involves your healthcare provider inquiring about your symptoms and conducting a comprehensive physical examination. Throughout the examination, your healthcare provider will scrutinize for indicators of spinal stenosis, such as sensory loss, weakness, and irregular reflexes.
Various tests help reach a diagnosis:
- X-rays: These may reveal bone growths, known as spurs, exerting pressure on spinal nerves or a narrowing of the spinal canal.
- Imaging tests: A CT or MRI scan provides a more intricate view of the spinal canal and nerve structures.
- Other studies: Your healthcare provider might order additional evaluations such as a bone scan, myelogram (a CT post-dye injection), and EMG (an electrical test of muscle activity).
How is the Pain and Numbness Caused by Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Treated?
Spinal Decompression, a surgical intervention addressing pain caused by pinched nerves (neural impingement), is integral in lumbar spinal stenosis treatment. Lumbar Decompression entails the removal of a small segment of vertebral bone or a portion of a thickened ligament pressing on a nerve, alleviating pain. This procedure diminishes nerve pressure by reinstating space and facilitating nerve healing.
Minimally invasive lumbar Decompression (MILD) can be used to treat lumbar spinal stenosis. MILD stands out as a low-risk procedure, offering two primary advantages. Firstly, reducing pressure on a nerve in the spinal column can alleviate pain for patients. Secondly, with a minimally invasive approach, patients experience a quicker recovery compared to open surgery.
The procedure involves a small incision in the back and eliminates the necessity for general anesthesia, contributing to a reduced recovery time. Most patients can resume regular activities within 24 hours. Besides pain reduction, the procedure enhances patient mobility, with most patients reporting tangible improvement in leg pain post-MILD procedure.
Combat Pain and Numbness With the Mild® Procedure
Thousands of individuals with lumbar spinal stenosis have experienced the transformative effects of the mild® Procedure. With an impressive 85% patient satisfaction rate, studies indicate a continual enhancement in functionality, including increased mobility and reduced pain.
If you’ve been diagnosed with lumbar spinal stenosis and are seeking relief beyond your current treatment, Florida Spine & Pain Institute can guide you through the evaluation process. To initiate this journey towards improved well-being, you can explore more information on lumbar Decompression on our Lumbar Decompression page.
Living with lumbar spinal stenosis can be incredibly challenging, and we understand how difficult it can be. But don’t worry, we are here to help you.
At Florida Spine & Pain, we offer the mild® Procedure that can make a significant difference in your life.
Let us help you explore the possibilities and regain control of your future.
