What happens if you have lumbar spinal stenosis?

What happens if you have lumbar spinal stenosis?

If you have lumbar spinal stenosis, you may have trouble walking distances or find that you need to lean forward to relieve pressure on your lower back. You may also have pain or numbness in your legs. In more severe cases, you may have difficulty controlling your bowel and bladder.

What are the symptoms of spinal stenosis in the neck?

Symptoms vary depending on the location of the stenosis and which nerves are affected. In the neck (cervical spine) Numbness or tingling in a hand, arm, foot or leg Weakness in a hand, arm, foot or leg

Are there long term effects of spinal narrowing?

Whilst spinal narrowing may remain asymptomatic in some people in others there can be damaging long-term effects of spinal stenosis.

How does sitting help with spinal stenosis symptoms?

Sitting and flexing forward opens up the spinal canal and stretches the ligamentum flavum (spinal ligaments) which helps to provide some relief. Once an individual resumes an upright position however, symptoms of discomfort return.

What are the leading causes of spinal stenosis?

• Aging. Spinal stenosis is most common in people over 50.
• Back Surgery. A less common cause of spinal stenosis is back surgery.
• Herniated Discs. One common cause of spinal stenosis is a herniated disk.
• Trauma.
• Paget’s Disease.
• Tumors.
• Osteoarthritis.
• Scoliosis.
• Thickening Ligaments.
• Genetics.

  What does it feel like to have spinal stenosis?

  Spinal stenosis occurs most often in the lower back and the neck. Some people with spinal stenosis may not have symptoms. Others may experience pain, tingling, numbness and muscle weakness. Symptoms can worsen over time.

  What are the symptoms of severe spinal stenosis?

  Symptoms of spinal stenosis caused by compression of the nerves include pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness along the path of the nerve being compressed. Symptoms of spinal stenosis that develops in the neck include myelopathy, numbness, tingling, weakness, or cramping in the arms and hands.

  Is there a cure for spinal stenosis?

  There is no cure for spinal stenosis, but there are treatments to help relieve symptoms. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications can ease swelling and pain. If they don’t do the trick, your doctor can prescribe higher-dose medication. Your doctor may also recommend cortisone injections.