Lumbar spinal stenosis is a common condition that occurs when the spaces within the lower spine begin to narrow, placing pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.
It can cause symptoms like lower back pain, numbness, or tingling in the legs. These symptoms can vary in severity based on your condition and can affect your ability to walk, stand, or enjoy daily activities without pain.
At CalSpine MD, our experienced spine surgeon, Dr. Hieu Ball, brings extensive experience in diagnosing and treating lumbar spinal stenosis. If you are diagnosed with lumbar spinal stenosis, Dr. Ball will work with you to find a treatment option that works best for you, whether it involves surgery or non-surgical methods
Lumbar spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal in the lower part of your back, compressing the nerves traveling through the lower back into the legs.
The lumbar spine (lower back) consists of five vertebrae in the lower part of the spine, between the ribs and the pelvis, connecting your upper spine to the pelvis. These vertebrae support much of your upper body’s weight and allow for flexibility and movement. Between each vertebra are discs that act as cushions and provide shock absorption.
Over time, natural wear and tear or injury can lead to changes in this region that reduce the space available for nerves, resulting in spinal stenosis.
Most often, spinal stenosis develops due to degenerative changes in the spine, such as with osteoarthritis or degeneration. These changes can narrow the spinal canal, eventually putting pressure on the nerve roots. Disc herniations can also cause spinal stenosis.
Degenerative spinal stenosis is a very common condition. In fact, by the age of 50, the vast majority of people, up to 95 percent, will show signs of wear and tear in their spine. However, not everyone with these changes experiences symptoms.
Other causes of lumbar spinal stenosis include:
Symptoms of lumbar spinal stenosis are similar to other common spine conditions, so it is important to get a proper diagnosis so that you can start the right treatment plan.
Lumbar spinal stenosis can cause:
Many patients with spinal stenosis in the lower back are limited in their ability to walk, whereas leaning forward or sitting improves the symptoms.
In severe cases, spinal stenosis can cause loss of bladder or bowel control. If you experience this, seek immediate medical attention.
To diagnose lumbar spinal stenosis, Dr. Ball will ask you about your symptoms and do a complete physical exam, looking for signs of spinal stenosis, such as loss of sensation, weakness, and abnormal reflexes.
To confirm the diagnosis and understand the extent of the condition, Dr. Ball may recommend advanced imaging and diagnostic tests, including:
At CalSpine MD, Dr. Ball offers a full range of non-surgical and surgical treatment options for lumbar spinal stenosis.
Non-surgical treatment for lumbar spinal stenosis may involve anti-inflammatory medications and steroid injections to decrease pain and inflammation of the nerve roots.
Physical therapy is also helpful for some patients. Many patients with back pain try to reduce their activities in an effort to reduce their pain, but that can lead to muscle weakness, which can instead increase pain. Physical therapy can improve core or truncal strength, endurance, and balance while helping you maintain flexibility in the spine.
If an extended period of non-surgical treatment does not improve symptoms, surgery may be considered.
At CalSpine MD, Dr. Ball offers a few different surgical approaches for lumbar spinal stenosis. He will review the options with you to help you choose what is best for your lifestyle and current condition.
The most common surgical procedures for lumbar spinal stenosis include laminectomy, laminotomy, or discectomy. Sometimes, spinal fusion is performed if additional stability is required.
During a laminectomy, also called a decompression, Dr. Ball will remove any bone, bone spurs, or ligaments that are putting pressure on the spinal nerves. The back part of the vertebra, called the lamina, is also removed. In some cases, a spinal fusion may also be performed to maintain stability in the spine.
Similar to a laminectomy, a laminotomy involves removing a portion of the lamina just large enough to relieve pressure on the nerve root, rather than removing the entire lamina.
In some cases, spinal stenosis procedures can be completed using minimally invasive techniques, which can reduce recovery times. These procedures may often be performed in an ambulatory surgery center.
After surgery, the recovery process can vary based on the type of procedure you and Dr. Ball choose. Procedures involving a spinal fusion will typically have longer recovery times, as it can take weeks to months for the bones to completely fuse together. Generally, most patients are able to return to all normal activities within a few weeks to months of surgery.
If you are struggling with symptoms of lumbar spinal stenosis, know that you are not alone and you do not have to live in discomfort. At CalSpine MD, Dr. Ball offers personalized care tailored to your specific needs.
With over 20 years of spine surgery experience, Dr. Ball has helped thousands of patients find lasting relief through both surgical and non-surgical treatments.
To schedule an appointment, please call CalSpine MD at (925) 838-8830. You may also request an appointment online.
