Lumbar Stenosis: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Lumbar stenosis, a common spinal condition, can affect your daily life and mobility. 

Symptoms: Lumbar stenosis occurs when the spinal canal narrows, compressing the nerves in the lower back. Common symptoms include lower back pain, numbness or tingling in the legs, weakness, and difficulty walking. Pain often worsens with extended periods of standing or walking and eases when sitting or bending forward.

If you suffer from lower back pain, numbness, tingling or weakness in both legs, book an appointment for an assessment and treatment with The Back Clinic to help reduce your pain, improve flexibility, and help you manage your condition.

Causes: Lumbar stenosis can result from various factors, including aging, degenerative changes in the spine, herniated discs, or congenital conditions. The narrowing of the spinal canal can lead to nerve compression, causing discomfort and mobility issues.

Similarities and Differences to Sciatica: While both conditions involve leg pain, lumbar stenosis is primarily due to the narrowing of the spinal canal, whereas sciatica results from compression of the sciatic nerve, often due to a herniated disc. Sciatica pain typically radiates down one leg, while lumbar stenosis pain can affect both legs.

Treatment Options:

• Physiotherapy: Physical therapy plays a crucial role in managing lumbar stenosis. Therapists can design tailored exercises to strengthen the back and core muscles, improve flexibility, and alleviate pain. The Back Clinic utilizes the DBC Protocol – an effective 6-12 week treatment plan that is covered by most medical aids. Book your appointment.
• Medications: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and pain relievers may be prescribed to manage pain and inflammation.
• Injections: Epidural steroid injections can provide temporary relief from pain and inflammation.
• Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be recommended to decompress the spinal canal.