Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

Different lower back conditions may show up with similar symptoms. If you are experiencing lower back pain, that moves down to your buttocks, thighs, and legs, you might assume a herniated disk. However, those symptoms might be caused by the narrowing of your spine. This pain can hinder your daily activities, and limit your mobility. Physical therapy is effective for providing relief to lower back spinal stenosis. It is important to contact a therapist as soon as you begin experiencing symptoms. Early treatment, ensures quicker recovery and eliminates the need for surgery. Ready to relieve your back pain? Request an appointment with a therapist right now.		
	

What is Lumbar Spinal Stenosis?

Lumbar spinal stenosis occurs when the spinal canal at the lower back becomes narrow, resulting in the compression of the spinal nerves that travel down to the legs. The narrowing of the spinal carnal happens gradually over time, so the condition is more likely to be seen in older patients from 50 years of age. It can affect younger patients though. Lumbar spinal stenosis is one type of spinal stenosis. The other type is cervical stenosis, which is a narrowing of the spinal canal around the neck.

How is Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Diagnosed?

At Polygon PT, a physical therapist will examine your medical history, and perform a physical examination. During the physical examination, your therapist will check out for symptoms of spinal stenosis which includes weakness, loss of sensation, and abnormal reflexes. Your therapist will also examine your posture when you walk, sit or stand. Manual therapy can also be used to check for the mobility of the joints and muscles in your spine. You will be required to undergo imaging tests with your doctor to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions. These tests include:

What Causes Lumbar Spinal Stenosis?

Osteoarthritis is the most common cause of spinal stenosis. Osteoarthritis is the gradual wear and tear of the cartilage surrounding the joints. As you get older, osteoarthritis begins to cause changes to your spine. This happens when you’re around 50 years old and is more likely to occur in women than men. Other factors that can cause lumbar spinal stenosis include:

Injury to the spine

Narrow spinal canal

Spinal tumor

Past surgery of the spine

Certain bone diseases

Rheumatoid arthritis

What are the Symptoms of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis?

Early lumbar spinal stenosis may not develop symptoms. However, as the condition progresses, you are likely to experience the following symptoms.