Lumbar Spine Stenosis
Lumbar spinal stenosis refers to the narrowing of the spinal canal in the lower part of the back. This puts pressure on the spinal cord. It is a prevalent cause of low back and leg pain or sciatica.
What are the causes of lumbar spine stenosis?
The most common cause of lumbar spine stenosis is osteoarthritis, the age-related wear, and tear of the joints. The other causes are:
- Narrowing of the spinal canal
- Spine injury
- Spinal tumor
- Certain bone diseases
- Rheumatoid arthritis
What are the symptoms of lumbar spine stenosis?
Generally, there are no clear symptoms of lumbar spine stenosis in its early stages. However, given below are some symptoms that develop gradually over time:
- Pain, weakness, and numbness in the legs and buttocks
- Loss of sensation in the feet
- Pain in the back
- Loss of sexual ability
- Loss of bladder function
Lumbar spine stenosis treatment in Telangana
Nonsurgical Treatment
Medication
Generally, the medicines prescribed to treat lumbar spinal stenosis are nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory medicines that bring relief from pain and steroid injections that reduce swelling.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy includes exercises that strengthen the back, abdomen, and leg muscles. In addition to that, the therapies may also include massage, chiropractic practices, and acupuncture.
Surgical Treatment
Surgery is recommended to those patients who don’t respond to regular care and medications. Surgical treatments involve the removal of bone spurs and widening the space between vertebrae. Given below are some of the surgery options for lumbar spine stenosis treatment:
Laminotomy Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion
Laminotomy or Decompressive laminectomy is the most common type of surgery to treat lumbar spinal stenosis. It is done to relieve pressure on the spinal nerve roots caused by age-related changes in the spine.
Foraminotomy
Foraminotomy works by enlarging the around one of the bones in the spinal column. It can be performed alone or in combination with Laminotomy.
Medial Facetctomy
Medial Facetctomy involves removing part of the facet (bony joints) which may be overgrown to create more space in the spinal canal.
Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF)
TLIF is considered a contemporary approach to spinal fusion surgery. It removes an intervertebral disc and joins two or more spinal bones together using screws and a cage.
The other surgeries are (ALIF), Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF), Posterolateral Fusion, and Instrumented Fusion.
