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Foraminal Stenosis
The term stenosis stems from Greek terminology meaning narrowing of a larger opening.
When referring to spinal stenosis, the reference is with respect to the narrowing of the spinal column where nerves exit through the neuroforamen. Most often, spinal stenosis is associated with the nerves in the spine becoming compressed due to the narrowing or closing of the neuroforamen.
Spinal stenosis typically occurs as we age, however it may also be due to a congenital condition.
Most cases of spinal stenosis occur in the lumbar region of the spine, though it can also affect the cervical and thoracic areas of the spine.
Lumber spinal stenosis causes patients to suffer from pain in the buttocks, thighs and calves and walking or standing for a prolonged period of time will be the onset of these symptoms.
Lumber Spinal Stenosis Symptoms
The most common lumbar stenosis symptoms are sensations of tingling, a feeling of the affected area “being asleep”, pins and needles and burning. Numbness and weakness of that area are also demonstrated.
Treatment of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
There is a risk that if stenosis is left untreated, a loss of function to that area may result due to the nerve being compromised. Nerves are not able to repair on their own, therefore, medical treatment and attention is always recommended.
Unlike most back pain conditions that use conservative methods of treatment, lumbar stenosis is usually unresponsive to conventional treatments with little to no relief. In most cases, patients will either modify their activities or explore back surgery alternatives.
Depending on the severity of the condition and depending on the level of activity the patient is accustomed to, some decide to modify their activities to reduce their pain level and live with this pain. Patients who experience a lot of pain or symptoms of lumbar stenosis and wish to maintain an active lifestyle will explore back surgery. Patients will typically delay surgery to determine whether modifying their lifestyle will alleviate the pain. If this pain becomes intolerable, surgery can be performed.
Cortisone, anti-inflammatories and over the counter medication may be used to alleviate pain. Some patients may explore physical therapy to relieve symptoms. Physical therapy can offer relief as flexibility and strengthening exercises add stability to your spinal column. Pilates is a fantastic option for lumbar stenosis exercises. This form of exercise has been very effective in offering patients pain relief due to the strengthening of the core as well as increased flexibility. Other lumbar stenosis exercises may be targeted to offer relief from the pressure of the sciatic nerve by focusing on stretching and flexing of the back.
Surgical Procedures for Lumber Spinal Stenosis
With the ever evolving medical industry, there are constant breakthroughs and most notable are minimally invasive surgeries that have far more benefits than the traditional conventional procedures.
Lumbar stenosis surgical statistics are not conclusive with respect to the success rate of surgeries performed to treat lumbar stenosis, nor are the surgical statistics reliable when comparing minimally invasive surgery vs. traditional back surgery.
Depending on the pain you suffer from with lumber spinal stenosis, there are two common procedures performed to treat lumbar stenosis: a foraminotomy or a laminotomy. These procedures relieve pressure placed on compressed nerves affected by either the intervertebral foramen or the spinal canal.
There are many benefits to having minimally invasive surgery vs. traditional back surgery and all options should be explored before determining the surgery that is right for you. A few of the benefits include, no hospital stay, no general anesthesia, minimal scarring, a quick recovery and return to normal lifestyle. In fact most, if not all, patients are encouraged to take an extended walk just hours after this surgery is performed.