Chronic Back Pain Causes -- Stenosis

Squeezing and compression on the back that cannot be seen but only felt is what makes up lumbar spinal stenosis. By this we mean that there is no outward injury to the body or the back but that neurological pain is felt in the extremities. When the lower section of the spinal canal that holds the spinal cord and all the nerves going to the legs is narrowed, then pain, weakness and numbness may be felt in the lower back and legs. Other symptoms of stenosis include numbness or tingling in the buttocks or legs, "foot drop" in which the person feels like their feet are slapping the floor when walking because of weakness in the legs.

Stenosis is a relatively common back compliant made by older adults. A changing spine, with degeneration of the discs, joints and nerves can lead to this debilitation. The spinal canal holds the spinal cord, which connected to the brain coordinates all of the body’s movement and nerve functions. People born with a narrow spinal canal, have had previous spinal surgery, trauma to the spinal cord or spinal tumors are also more likely to suffer from stenosis. Also, stenosis is more common with people in the line of work of manual labor, professional athletics and operating heavy equipment.

A diagnosis is made with x-rays which will look for bone spurs and abnormalities of the bones of the back including osteoarthritis or a herniated disc. A CT scan will help evaluate the spinal canal, and an MRI will show the soft tissues of the spinal cord and nerves. Through this diagnosis, a physician can prescribe treatments and medications to relieve pain.

The most common cause of stenosis is arthritis, or the wear and tear and degeneration of the spinal column. When the spinal cord is pinched, this results in pain while walking, requiring the patient to walk in a hunched over position to relieve the pain.

Although there is no cure for stenosis, multiple therapies exist to help a person live a comfortable lifestyle. Exercise is of utmost importance in the treatment of stenosis. By building up the muscles around the spinal cord, the back can support the pinched spine. Physical therapy helps address the exercise issue and includes stretching, massage and lumbar and abdominal strengthening.

In addition, taking a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, non-prescription, may help when used over the course of about ten days. The concern regarding acid damage to the stomach is real, so be sure to eat before you take it and do not take for extended periods. Prescription drugs are also available through your physician, and steroid injections, also provided by your doctor, are a possibility to reduce the pain with their anti-inflammatory nature.

As a last resort, surgery in the form of a laminectomy or spinal fusion can be performed. Both can resort in excellent pain relief but carry the typical risks of surgery. And finally, spinal decompression is another newer option for stenosis that is minimally invasive yet the visualization of the problem is not quite as good as the surgical options.