Question 1

whats lumbar spinal stenosis?

Accepted Answer

Let us help: Lumbar stenosis, the spinal nerve roots in the lower back are compressed, or choked, and this can produce symptoms of sciatica -- tingling, weakness or numbness that radiates from the low back and into the buttocks and legs -- especially with activity.

Question 2

what is lumbar spinal stenosis?

Accepted Answer

Narrow spinal canal : There is a canal surrounded by a membrane that goes through the middle of the vertebrae.  The spinal cord sits inside the canal surrounded by fluid.  If a disc is bulging or ruptured/herniated toward the rear, this may cause pressure on the canal and it is narrowed. This may put pressure on the spinal cord or nerves within the canal causing local pain or neurologic symptoms from nerve compression.

Question 3

can lumbar spinal stenosis be cured?

Accepted Answer

Many things: Depending on the severity, stenosis of the lumbar spine can be treated with medications, physical therapy, injections, or surgery.

Question 4

what can end my lumbar spinal stenosis?

Accepted Answer

Depends on symptoms: Some people with stenosis have no symptoms or back pain (no leg pain); in them the stenosis needs no treatment and the pain is treated with exercise, stretching, medication, etc. Mild leg symptoms may respond to those same treatments. Mild to moderate may do well with injections. More severe leg problems generally do well with surgical decompression.

Question 5

how serious is it to have lumbar spinal stenosis?

Accepted Answer

Can be serious: Stenosis is an objective finding on imaging studies, like an mri.  However the symptoms of lumbar stenosis determine how severe it is.  It can be as mild as occasional pain or numbness radiating down the legs, to severe weakness, pain and numbness that worsens with walking.  Depending on how severe the pain and disability is, determines the treatment.

Question 6

how is lumbar spinal stenosis typically diagnosed?

Accepted Answer

Depends.: Clinically, the diagnosis is often made by symptoms of neurogenic claudication, in the absence of any overt vascular disease.  Typically this a tight or heavy ache in the legs with prolonged standing or walking that resolves quickly with sitting.  The diagnosis can be confirmed by mri.  Not all patients with MRI evidence of spinal stenosis will have symptoms.

Question 7

can i be a marine if i have lumbar spinal stenosis?

Accepted Answer

Duty Restrictions: Many people have lumbar stenosis. In some cases, it's congenital or acquired. Patients usually don't see a doctor until they become symptomatic. Duty restrictions directly related to severity, pain and functional limitations. Applicants to the military are examined, but x-rays and MRI of the spine aren't routinely performed. Pre-existing conditions may disqualify applicants from the military.

Question 8

can there be any relief for lumbar spinal stenosis?

Accepted Answer

Yes, numerous...: Conservative non-surgical treatments -- including anti-inflammatory meds (if no contraindications), pt, epidural injections.  If symptoms persist despite these, then surgery could offer some great symptomatic relief of your extremity symptoms. Consult a spine surgeon.

Also surgery if you start experiencing progressive neurological deficit, or changes in your bowel or bladder function.

Question 9

is there any kind of relief for lumbar spinal stenosis?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Epidural steroid injection surgery all have offered relief for decades.

Question 10

how do you make the diagnosis of lumbar spinal stenosis?

Accepted Answer

Imaging: There are some clues on history (worse with walking, standing, and/or maintaining certain postures, and relieved with sitting or lying) but the presentation is often similar to peripheral vascular disease- unilateral or bilateral pain with sensory loss, weakness, with symptoms worse with activity.  The diagnosis is made by typical symptoms and neuroimaging- some debate between ct vs. Mri.

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A member asked:

Whats lumbar spinal stenosis?

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What is lumbar spinal stenosis?

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Can lumbar spinal stenosis be cured?

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What can end my lumbar spinal stenosis?

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How serious is it to have lumbar spinal stenosis?

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How is lumbar spinal stenosis typically diagnosed?

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Can i be a marine if i have lumbar spinal stenosis?

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Can there be any relief for lumbar spinal stenosis?

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Is there any kind of relief for lumbar spinal stenosis?

A member asked:

How do you make the diagnosis of lumbar spinal stenosis?

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