Lumbar stenosis occurs when there is constriction of available space in the central canal or foraminal vertebra. The portion of spine gets narrowed due to compression causing pain and weakness. The main cause of lumbar stenosis is arthritis. Symptoms of this disorder include low back pain, weakness and reduced sensation in the legs. Lumbar spinal stenosis can be treated with conservative methods of treatment in most of the cases and in rare cases surgery is done for lumbar decompression.
Anatomy :
The lumbar spine consists of 5 sets of tiny bones of vertebral column and is located in the lower back. Nerves that emerge out of the spine travel across the central canal and comes out through the small spaces found on the sides called foramina. These nerve bundles are responsible for carrying signals from the lower end of the body to the brain and vice versa. Any damage or injury to these nerves can affect the movement of legs and toes.
Causes :
As one attains 50 years of age there is 95% chance for the spine to become degenerated due to wear and tear. Congenital lumbar stenosis is very rare in number and such cases are born with deformed spine. Degenerative disc disease and degenerative arthritis are the main causes of lumbar spinal stenosis. As one grows old arthritis is the most common problem faced by many people which can damage the cartilages of the joints leading to the formation of bone spurs. This would eventually cause lumbar stenosis as one lumbar disc gets compressed over another causing lack of proper space for the nerves. Conditions like tumor, spine infection and Paget’s disease can also be causative factors for lumbar stenosis.
Who are at risk?