Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: An Overview

Spinal Stenosis is a painful ailment. The following article throws some light on this ailment and the treatments available for the ailment.

The spinal cord is a pathway by which sensory nerve impulses reach the brain. This is the place for summing up of nerve impulses which arrive from the periphery and the brain.

How it is caused?

This is a painful ailment caused by the narrowing of the spinal canal. When the spinal canal narrows down, the nerves passing through the spinal cord are under stress due to compression. This causes obstruction to the supply of blood to the part of the body where the nerves are connected.

Lack of supply of blood causes unbearable pain in the part of the body where the nerves are connected. In some cases it is congenital (i.e. inborn) while in other cases the narrowing down of the spine may occur due to arthritis during adulthood of the person. It also results from spinal injury caused due to accident etc. These may result in Stenosis. Herniated disc resulting from an injury or accident is another reason for Stenosis.

The Stenosis may also occur as a result of inhaling toxins like insecticides etc. These toxins may cause abnormal growth of bones which may result in narrowing of the bones.

There are two types of Stenosis and they are Cervical Spinal Stenosis and the Lumbar Spinal Stenosis.

Cervical Spinal Stenosis:

If the narrowing of the spinal cord occurs in the cervical area, this is called cervical spinal Stenosis. This will affect the neck, arms and shoulder. Apart from pain, this will also affect the movement of the hands and may even cause weakness etc.

Lumbar Spinal Stenosis:

Lumbar Spinal Stenosis is caused by narrowing of the spine at the lower back. This results in pain and numbness and weakness of the legs. Apart from this, there are other symptoms like pain in the legs. Normally this will affect either of the legs. Lumbar Spinal Stenosis hampers the ability to walk. Walking causes severe pain in some parts of the leg. In some cases, it may also affect coordination.

Persons affected with this problem are treated with anti inflammatory medicines to manage the pain. In severe cases, surgery is preferred. Now due to advancement in surgical science, surgery is done endoscopically. So, with minimum bleeding and invasion of the affected part, the spinal cord is widened. This method will result in quick healing of the person.

Any one who has above symptoms should consult the doctor immediately. Delay in taking appropriate treatment may lead to other complications also.