We conclude, that in elderly patients with symptomatic lumbar spinal stenosis, with no evidence of instability, decompressive surgery without stabilisation can be done in the majority of patients with low morbidity and high expectation of clinical improvement.Author:
A. Kalbarczyk, A. Lukes, R. W. SeilerCited by:
Publish Year:
1998

What is the best treatment for spinal stenosis?

Your doctor may prescribe: Pain relievers. Pain medications such as ibuprofen ( Advil , Motrin IB, others), naproxen ( Aleve , others) and acetaminophen ( Tylenol , others) may be used temporarily to ease the discomfort of spinal stenosis. Antidepressants . Anti-seizure drugs. Opioids.

What is the latest treatment for spinal stenosis?

The surgery of choice now is decompression fusion. In decompression fusion, the spinal cord is given its room and the vertebrae are fused to prevent future stenosis at that segment level.

How common is spinal stenosis in the elderly?

Degenerative changes of the lumbar spine that are visible on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) become more common with age and are present in nearly 100% of persons over age 60 (4). By radiological criteria alone, 21% of all persons over age 60 have lumbar spinal stenosis (5).

What happens if spinal stenosis is left untreated?

It occurs from spinal stenosis that causes pressure on the spinal cord. If untreated , this can lead to significant and permanent nerve damage including paralysis and death. Symptoms may affect your gait and balance, dexterity, grip strength and bowel or bladder function.

Will I end up in a wheelchair with spinal stenosis?

If you have spinal stenosis and you believe that it is permanent and it will force you to be out of work for at least 1 year, then you could be considered disabled by the SSA and could qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).

Will spinal stenosis cripple you?

When spinal stenosis compresses the spinal cord in the neck, symptoms can be much more serious, including crippling muscle weakness in the arms and legs or even paralysis.

What are the final stages of spinal stenosis?

Spinal stenosis, often an end stage of the spine degenerative process, is characterized by leg pain with walking. Pain will go away with rest but you may have to specifically sit down to ease the leg pain .

What should I avoid with spinal stenosis?

What Is Spinal Stenosis ? Avoid Excessive Back Extension. Avoid Long Walks or Running. Avoid Certain Stretches and Poses. Avoid Loading a Rounded Back. Avoid Too Much Bed Rest. Avoid Contact Sports.

How do you prevent spinal stenosis from getting worse?

What can I do to prevent lumbar spinal stenosis ? Get regular exercise. Exercise strengthens the muscles that support your lower back and helps keep your spine flexible. Maintain good posture. Learn how to safely lift heavy objects. Maintain a healthy weight.

What does pain from spinal stenosis feel like?

Spinal stenosis may cause numbness, weakness, burning sensations, tingling and “pins and needles” in the arms. Patients with spinal stenosis in the back often notice pain in the buttocks or a “pins and needles” sensation in the thigh or leg that occurs when standing (extension) or walking.

How do you fix spinal stenosis without surgery?

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.

What causes spinal stenosis to flare up?

Herniated disks and bone spurs are two common causes of spinal stenosis . Thickened ligaments: Ligaments are the fiber bands that hold the spine together. Arthritis can cause ligaments to thicken over time and bulge into the spinal canal space.

What are the long term effects of spinal stenosis?

Rarely, untreated severe spinal stenosis may progress and cause permanent: Numbness . Weakness . Balance problems.

Can you live a normal life with spinal stenosis?

“The symptoms of spinal stenosis typically respond to conservative treatments, including physical therapy and injections.” Dr. Hennenhoefer says you can live a normal life with a spinal stenosis diagnosis and can work on improving your mobility and comfort.

Is Spinal stenosis a sign of MS?

A variety of neurologic signs and symptoms are associated with MS and include myelopathy, extremity weakness, low back pain, sciatica and paresthesias. Many of these signs and symptoms are identical to those experienced by patients with spondylosis (e.g. spinal stenosis , disc herniations).