Symptoms Associated With Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
Lumbar spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the spinal canal in the region of the five lumbar vertebrae found in the lower back. This narrowing can be caused by traumatic injury, but is more commonly a result of an age-related degenerative spine condition such as osteoarthritis or degenerative disc disease. Because the largest nerve in the body - the sciatic nerve - originates in the lumbar spine region, narrowing of the spinal canal in this area often leads to compression of that nerve, producing a set of symptoms known as sciatica.
Symptoms of Sciatic Nerve Compression
It's important to know that lumbar spinal stenosis does not always produce symptoms. In fact, many people with the condition never know it or, at worst, experience nothing more serious than occasional mild stiffness or discomfort in the lower back that goes away on its own. However, if the sciatic nerve does become irritated, lumbar spinal canal narrowing can lead to symptoms that include:
- Radiating pain - sharp discomfort shoots down the lower back to the buttocks, down the leg and into the feet.
- Tingling - this is experienced most often if the nerves that innervate the feet or toes are affected.
- Numbness - a loss of sensation in the lower extremities, especially in the toes.
- Muscle weakness - along with the loss of sensation, the muscle groups innervated by the compressed nerve might weaken or become less responsive.
A Potentially Dangerous Side Effect
Lumbar spinal stenosis also can lead to the development of a potentially dangerous condition known as cauda equina syndrome, in which the bundle of nerves at the base of the spinal cord become compressed and the patient can lose bladder and/or bowel control. This condition requires immediate medical attention.
In most cases, however, symptoms associated with nerve compression in the lower back can be managed with conservative treatment methods such as pain medication, anti-inflammatory drugs, exercise, stretching, and hot/cold therapy.
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