Spinal Lumbar Stenosis

There are five vertebral bones in the lower back that together make up the lumbar spine. These vertebrae have openings on their sides known as foramen. Nerves exiting the spinal canal in the lower back leave through these holes. Spinal Lumbar Stenosis is a term used to describe a condition whereby the spinal canal in the lumbar vertebrae or the vertebral foramen become narrow. Excessive narrowing results in the application of pressure on the nerves and spinal cord resulting in the painful symptoms that characterize Spinal Lumbar Stenosis.

Types of Lumbar Stenosis

• Central Stenosis: occurs when the spinal canal occurring in the lumbar region becomes narrow.
• Foraminal Stenosis: occurs when vertebral foramen become narrow resulting in the application of pressure on the nerves exiting the spinal cord.

Spinal lumbar stenosis commonly results from degenerative arthritis. Arthritis can occur in all joints in the body including the spine as part of the ageing process. When arthritis occurs in the lumbar region it results in the loss of cartilage between the joints and the bones, osteophytes (development of bone spurs), degenerative disc disorder and excessive growth of the ligaments in the spine.

All the above effects of degenerative arthritis result in the narrowing of the spaces
in the spine in the lumbar region which causes the application of excess pressure on the
nerves resulting in spinal lumbar stenosis.

Spinal Lumbar Stenosis Pain

Degenerative arthritis is not the only cause of spinal lumbar stenosis. Other conditions that result in the narrowing of the spinal canal and vertebral foramen in the lumbar region can result in spinal lumbar stenosis. These conditions include spinal tumors, infections in the lumbar region and bone disorders. Trauma to the lumbar vertebrae as a result of an injury can also cause spinal lumbar stenosis by placing pressure on the nerves in this region.

Spinal Lumbar Stenosis Symptoms

Common symptoms of spinal lumbar stenosis include pain in the lower back and legs. Weakness, numbness and a loss in sensation in the legs is also common amongst those suffering from this condition. Pain is usually experienced when sitting, walking or lifting objects. The pain gets worse when leaning forward, standing or bending over backwards. Treatments are symptomatic and may include the administration of pain relievers. Surgery and physical therapy may be recommended for advanced cases.