Low back pain is a very natural problem these days. The prime explanation of this pain is lumbar spinal stenosis. The contraction of the spinal canal causes compression of the nerves that are moving from the lower back into the legs is termed as lumbar spinal stenosis. This situation can be seen in younger patients but commonly it is seen as a degenerative condition in older people who are 60 or above. Due to aging, the disc becomes less spongy and results in decreased disc height. This also conclusion in hardening and bulging of the disc into the spinal canal. Lumbar spinal stenosis can be classified into two types- Degenrative (age- associated) and the other is implanted (present at birth). Degenerative is most natural than congenital.
The symptoms of lumbar spinal stenosis can be seen when the back of a person is in development and also when he stands up consecutive or walk. By leaning ahead or sitting may contribute some alleviation to the patient. The following symptoms can diverge through the lower back into the legs –
Dull cramping Pain
Difficulty with balance
Stiffness
Pins and needle sensation or uncomfortable tingling sensation
Weakness Numbness
The most natural cause of spinal stenosis is Arthritis. The situation of arthritis advance when the disc degenerates and also water comfortable reduction. The water content is very high in young adults and children. The natural aging growth results in drying up of the water and also weakens the disc. Due to these reasons, the disc spaces collapses and loses its space height. Other conditions can also influence lumbar spinal stenosis which reduction the capacity of the vertebral foramen or spinal canal such as –
Different metabolic disorders that result in Paget’s disease of bone.
Tumor which is an unusual enlargement of the structures which makes the spinal canal.
Infection
The exhaustive physical inquiry and history of a patient is appraised. The severity of the situation and the existence of numbness or weakness can be resolved with the help of patient’s physical exam. Patients having lumbar or cervical stenosis are appropriate to take tests of either CT scan or MRI scan with myelogram. Sensation and irregularity in durability can be appraised by a neurological exam. Also nerve administration studies or electromyogram (EMG) may be appropriate for identifying inflammation or damage of the nerves due to continuing compression from spinal stenosis. This also helps in determining the involved nerves.
Patients who are facing weakness and pain are treated for the surgery. Some patients also find it ambitious to walk for a long time without sitting. Spinal fusion and Laminectomy are the two surgical accesses for lumbar spinal stenosis. Both these surgical approaches have culminated in great satisfaction from pain.
Spinal Fusion: When arthritis has progressive to spinal uncertainty then spinal fusion or stabilization and decompression are advised. During spinal fusion surgery, 2 or more foundation are fused or healed together. In order to integrate the foundation, a bone graft is taken from the hip bone or pelvis. The motion in between the vertebrae is disqualify by fusion. Also the slippage can be prevented that pick up worse after surgery. While dissolve the bones together, screws and rods can also be used for equity the vertebrae in place. The usage of screws and rods help in fusing the bones immediately and also speeds up restoration.
Laminectomy: The bone spurs, ligaments and bone are removed which are responsible for abbreviate the nerves. Laminectomy, also attribute to as decompression, may also be done as open surgery where a single large laceration is used for penetrate the spine. Minimally invasive proceeding can also be used for operating the procedure of laminectomy. Many small incisions are made for performing minimally invasive method.
There are many analysis options that administer alleviation from pain and also restore function. Nonsurgical methods offer happiness from the symptoms of lumbar spinal stenosis.
Lumbar traction: For some patients, lumbar traction has verified profitable but at the same time it has defined results.
Steroid injections: The most compelling anti-inflammatory is cortisone. The needle of cortisone in the epidural space or around the nerves may diminish pain as well as swelling. These needles should not be taken for more than three times in a year. Cortisone needles will reduce numbness or pain in the legs.
Anti-inflammatory Medications: Anti-inflammatory medications are used for depreciate swelling or irritation around the nerve that provides relieve from pain. Non-steroidal anti- provocative drugs (NSAIDs) are used for 5-10 days for disqualify inflammatory consequence.
Acupuncture: In order to treat less severe cases of lumbar stenosis, acupuncture is considered as very helpful. Acupuncture has been regarded as a very safe nonsurgical treatment.
Physical Therapy: The symptoms can be managed by performing physical therapies such as massage, abdominal strengthening, stretching exercises and lumbar strengthening.
Chiropractic manipulation: This is a very safe nonsurgical method. If a patient is suffering from disc herniation or osteoporosis then extra care should be taken. In the cases of disc herniation or osteoporosis, manipulation of the spine can result in injuries or can even worsen symptoms.
Minimally Invasive Decompression: This can be done by making small incisions. The benefits of this procedure are faster recovery period and reduced hospital stay. This is because less injury is caused to the surrounding soft tissues.
Interspinous Process Devices: These devices are treated as a minimally invasive surgical method for treating lumbar stenosis. In the middle of spinous proceeding into the back of the spine, a spacer is fitted. The ambition is to keep the nerve space open by growing the vertebrae apart. The success of this proceeding depends upon the selection of an convenient applicant in whose pain returns upon standing.
Relief from pain is one the major assistance of lumbar spinal stenosis surgery. The other benefit is that patients who have mild lumbar spinal stenosis surgery are able to return to their home on the same day and begin regular enterprise after some days. The restoration in the case of mild stenosis treatment is much faster as compared to open surgical proceeding. The mild decompression procedure is treated as a low-risk and safe analysis.
The surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis in India is implementing at a very economical cost with all modern healthcare facilities. Some of the best spine surgery hospitals are found in the major cities of India.