Lumbar spinal stenosis

As we age, the spine changes which can result in lumbar stenosis, making walking and other movement painful. For each person the severity of symptoms is unique and dictates treatment.

What is Lumbar Stenosis?

Lumbar stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal due to aging and normal wear and tear. This narrowing may cause unmanageable pain in the lower back of its sufferers.

There are two forms of spinal stenosis:

• Primary or congenital
• Secondary or acquired

Symptoms of Lumbar Stenosis

With acquired stenosis, the more common of the two, patients generally become symptomatic after the age of 50. Common symptoms of both primary and secondary spinal stenosis include:

• Burning pain in the buttocks or legs
• Numbness or tingling in the buttocks or legs
• Weakness in the legs
• Less pain when leaning forward or sitting

Diagnosing Lumbar Stenosis

Dignity Health-affiliated doctors will diagnose lumbar spinal stenosis using X-rays, MRIs and CT scans, and then develop a customized treatment plan specific to your spine and condition.

Treatment for Lumbar Stenosis

St. Joseph's Medical Center offers a full range of services to help get your spine back to full health, from inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation, to state-of-the-art testing and imaging.

There are many options for treatment, including:

• Physical therapy
• Steroid injections
• Medications
• Rehabilitation
• Spinal fusion surgery

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