Lumbar Stenosis Treatment

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Lumbar stenosis is characterized by narrowing within the spinal canal in the lower back. It is a degenerative spine condition that often stems from normal age-related ailments like osteoarthritis. Non-surgical lumbar stenosis treatment is generally recommended as a first-line measure for improving function and pain relief.

What Causes Lumbar Spinal Stenosis?

Degenerative changes in the spinal structures are the primary cause of lumbar stenosis. Other causes include spinal injuries, spondylolisthesis, infection, tumors, or congenital defects that create a smaller spinal canal. People over 50 are more likely to develop spinal stenosis because of wear and tear on intervertebral disks and facet joints. Narrowing of the lumbar spine can occur at different sites, including the lateral region underneath the facet joints, the intervertebral foramen, and the spinal canal.

Symptoms of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

Lumbar spinal stenosis typically presents with pain exacerbated by prolonged ambulation, standing, and lumbar extension. It is relieved by forward flexion and rest. Neurogenic claudication is another issue of lumbar spinal stenosis. Patients complain of pain or discomfort radiating to the buttock, thigh, and lower leg after walking for a certain distance, leading to functional disability and decreased walking capacity.

Other symptoms can include:

Numbness
Weakness
Tingling in the legs
Loss of sensation in one or both feet
Loss of bladder or bowel control

How Is Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Diagnosed?

A physical exam will look for signs of abnormal reflexes, weakness, and loss of sensation in the lower extremities. X-rays, MRI scans, and CT scans can also help make an accurate lumbar stenosis diagnosis

Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Surgery & Non-Surgical Treatment

Non-Surgical Treatment

Lower back stenosis can cause a range of symptoms that negatively impact daily life. Treatment plans are individualized based on clinical presentation, but non-surgical modalities should be utilized first.

Conservative management for lumbar spinal stenosis includes:

Physical therapy
Epidural steroid injections
Activity modification
Anti-inflammatory medications
Analgesic painkillers

Lumbar Stenosis Surgery

When non-operative measures fail to alleviate pain or improve mobility, patients may benefit from lower back surgery using a minimally invasive approach.

The most common surgery for treating stenosis of the lower spine is a:

Lumbar Laminectomy – This procedure uses microscopic instruments to create space within the spinal canal. The recovery is quick, and most patients can return home the same day.

Lumbar Stenosis Treatment Consultation in DFW

A board-certified neurosurgeon, David Barnett, MD treats and provides a second opinion for patients with degenerative conditions of the lower back. For more information about treatment for lower lumbar stenosis, please contact our office to request a consultation with an award-winning Dallas neurosurgeon.

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From start to finish, Dr. Barnett and his staff were always informative and professional. Dr. Barnett performed my neck surgery and lower back surgery all during a pandemic and everything worked out perfect. Highly recommend Dr. Barnett. Top notch.

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