What is spinal stenosis?

 Spinal stenosis is a condition that occurs when the space inside the backbone is too small, which can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves that travel through the spine

1

. Lumbar spinal canal stenosis is a type of spinal stenosis that occurs in the lower back and is characterized by a narrowing of the spinal canal, compressing the nerves traveling through the lower back into the legs

3

9

.

Symptoms

Symptoms of spinal stenosis can include pain, tingling, numbness, and muscle weakness. These symptoms can get worse over time, and the most common cause of spinal stenosis is wear-and-tear changes in the spine related to arthritis

1

. Symptoms of lumbar spinal canal stenosis may include back pain, leg pain, weakness, and numbness

9

.

Diagnosis

To diagnose spinal stenosis, a healthcare provider may ask about your symptoms and medical history and conduct a physical exam. Imaging tests, such as X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or computerized tomography (CT) scans, may also be used to help find the problem

2

5

8

.

Treatment

Treatment for spinal stenosis depends on how severe your symptoms are. Medications, such as anti-inflammatory medications or pain relievers, may be prescribed to help manage pain and inflammation caused by spinal stenosis

2

5

. Physical therapy, walking aids, and alternative medicine, such as acupuncture, may also be recommended

2

. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and nerves

8

.

Citations:

[1] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/spinal-stenosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20352961

[2] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/spinal-stenosis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352966

[3] https://www.aans.org/en/Patients/Neurosurgical-Conditions-and-Treatments/Lumbar-Spinal-Stenosis

[4] https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/spinal-stenosis

[5] https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/spinal-stenosis/diagnosis-treatment-and-steps-to-take

[6] https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/lumbar-spinal-stenosis/

[7] https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17499-spinal-stenosis

[8] https://www.mountsinai.org/locations/spine-hospital/conditions/spinal-stenosis

[9] https://familydoctor.org/condition/lumbar-spinal-canal-stenosis/

[10] https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/lumbar-spinal-stenosis

[11] https://support.google.com/websearch?p=medical_conditions&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjf5f27zZ6AAxUYgP0HHeoXDfcQ79AEegQICBAJ