Lumbar Spinal Stenosis - Diagnosis And Treatment Methods
The spine is composed of approximately thirty three interconnected bones that are known as vertebrae. Lumbar spinal stenosis occurs when the lumbar vertebral openings, through which nerves come out, become narrow. Stenosis means constriction of a duct or passage. Lumbar spinal stenosis is like lime build-up inside a garden hose. As time passes by, it narrows the diameter of the hose, Ditto is what lumbar spinal stenosis does to the spinal canal.
There can be various symptoms that can be clearly identified in the case of lumbar spinal stenosis. These can include pain and numbness in the back and legs and even cramps in leg nerves. A weakness in legs may be felt by some. Bowel and bladder problems may also arise. These symptoms are worsened by long walks and if the patient stands for a long duration. Symptoms can be permanent or temporary, but extremities may vary in different cases. If you bend or sit for a prolonged period of time, you may feel an increase or even decrease in pain.
Though these symptoms may point towards a diagnosis of lumbar spine stenosis, but some tests are still needed to be performed by an orthopedic physician to confirm the diagnosis. There are certain tests that may help you to know your exact situation in lumbar spinal stenosis such as X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging or MRI, and even computerised axial tomography scan or CAT scan, or even a lumbar myelogram that can help you to get the details of your spine.
Once you have figured out that you have lumbar spinal stenosis, there are a number of treatments that can help you to get well. At first, your physician will try out non-surgical treatments on you. These treatments include anti-inflammatory medications which can be given orally or with injections, and these can reduce the swelling and pain. Then there is physiotherapy that can improve your strength and flexibility so that you can live a normal and improved lifestyle. There are even spinal injections that your doctor may prescribe you. Treatment for lumbar spine stenosis may be through medication or surgery. Your doctor may prescribe you some anti-inflammatory medicines such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, etc. If you are on analgesic medicines, you should be ready for some side effects such as a stomach upset or bleeding. If you use medicines for a longer period, a check should be kept on you by the doctor. Lumbar spine stenosis surgery is needed by only those patients whose pain is not controlled even by various analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs. After surgery, you need to undergo regular checkups for a few weeks and can be discharged in a short span of time. Finally, you can return to your normal routine within a few months, if you take proper care and follow the precautions and advice of your surgeon.
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