Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Treatment & Surgery
Spinal stenosis is a general term that refers to a range of symptoms caused by narrowing the spinal canal. The spinal canal is a long tunnel that runs down the centre of the spine behind the vertebral column. The spinal canal contains the spinal cord and nerve roots. With age, injury, or degeneration, the spinal canal may be narrowed by compressing the spinal cord and nerve roots. When this condition is affected in the lower back area, then it is referred to as Lumbar spinal stenosis. At Kovilpatti Venkateswara Hospital, we provide the most advanced and sophisticated diagnostics and treatments techniques for patients with spinal cord trauma and injuries. We bring together a multidisciplinary team of highly qualified and well experienced medical and surgical specialists who offer patients safe and effectiveLumber Stenosis treatments and rehabilitative programs to offer the intact continuum of care for the spine patient.
Causes of Lumbar spinal stenosis
Causes for lumbar spinal stenosis include:
- Osteoarthritis causing wear and tear of bones
- Disc degeneration causing compression of the nerve roots.
- Trauma caused by picking up heavy objects improperly can also cause spinal stenosis.
- Spread of cancer to the vertebral column
- Infections in the spinal canal also lead to Lumbar spinal stenosis
Symptoms caused by the compression of the spinal cord and nerves
The symptoms can vary with the degree of compression that causes changes in posture and activity and the pattern of pain in each patient. Common symptoms include:
- Pain in standing or walking
- Bladder incontinence when the nerves to the bladder or bowel are compressed (loss of control of urine or faeces)
Diagnosing lumbar spinal stenosis
The neurosurgeon or spinal surgeon performs several investigations to confirm the medical condition. These may include computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), CT myelogram and ultrasound scans of the blood vessels in the legs to exclude vascular insufficiency as a cause of the symptoms.
Treatment options for lumbar spinal stenosis
Lumbar spinal stenosis is mostly treated using conservative methods that include medications to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) are recommended to relieve pain as well as reducing inflammation and swelling. Along with medications, physical therapy that includes hydrotherapy, acupuncture and osteopathy helps build up and maintain strength, endurance, and flexibility for spinal stability. Supporting devices such as a back brace or corset help support the back and is especially helpful for people who have degeneration in more than one area of the spine.
A corticosteroid injection into the spinal canal around the compressed nerve and can have both diagnostic and therapeutic value. The neurosurgeon or spinal surgeon may also suggest restricting strenuous activities and rest followed by a gradual return to exercise.
Surgical methods include a decompressive lumbar laminectomy, laminotomy, and spinal fusion to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and nerves and to help strengthen the spine.
At Kovilpatti Venkateswara Hospital, we offer to have the best and latest medical facilities with a team of experienced doctors, surgeons and staffs to provide all round care and support to the patients. To know more about lumbar spinal stenosis treatment services and treatment cost, book an appointment now.
Authored By Dr.S.Dhamodaran – MBBS Orthopaedic surgeon, Kovilpatti
