|
Spinal Stenosis "narrowing of the spinal cord causing nerve pinching which leads to persistent pain in the buttocks, limping, lack of feeling in the lower extremities, and decreased physical activity... The Silent Epidemic.. The most common indication for surgery in persons aged over 60 in the United States is Lumbar Spinal Stenosis (LSS)... The most common (form) is degenerative stenosis, occurring in virtually the entire adult population as a result of the natural process of aging... Currently, there are two major options for the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis. The more conservative approach is a combination of rest, support devices, physical therapy, and pain medications. This treatment is normally given over the initial months after diagnosis in hope that it will correct the problem without requiring more drastic measures. When the pain/discomfort continues, a surgical procedure is discussed and pursued if the patient and their physician think it will improve the patient's quality of life" Lumbar Spinal Stenosis "Standing or walking upright usually increases the symptoms, resulting in an achy pain, tightness, heaviness, and a sense of weakness in the buttocks and/or legs. These symptoms are generally relieved by sitting down or leaning forward.... Although patients with lumbar spinal stenosis are unable to walk for long periods of time, they may be able to ride an exercise bicycle for much longer. Some patients also find that it is easier to walk while leaning forward on a shopping cart... Most patients with lumbar spinal stenosis do not require surgery...Generally, nonsurgical treatment for lumbar spinal stenosis consists of: Physical therapy, Anti-inflammatory medications, Epidural steroid injections, Bracing -- A lumbar brace or corset can provide some support and help the patient gain some mobility, but bracing is generally not recommended for long-term use. If used for too long, bracing can lead to deconditioning of the muscles that support the back. Acupuncture or chiropractic manipulation can also be attempted." Spinal Stenosis "Diseases such as arthritis and scoliosis can cause spinal stenosis, too" The symptoms of spinal stenosis can also be caused by imbalance and problems with the psoas muscle. See the links below:
Sacro Wedgy a way to relax the psoas muscle MRI revealed that I have no stenosis, but a narrowing of the foramen and early signs of a pinched nerve were seen. Foramen Info. "Foramen are canals between adjacent vertebra that are formed by the overlapping of the facet joints. Nerve roots exit from the spinal cord through these canals... Nerves for the neck, shoulder, arms, and hands exit through cervical foramen. Nerves for the buttock, hips, legs, and feet exit through lumbar foramen. These lumbar nerve roots combine to form the sciatic nerve... Spinal movements affect the size of the foramen. Bending forward increases space for the nerve. Bending backward and/or twisting decreases the foraminal space... A narrowing of this foramen is called stenosis. If there is not enough space for the nerve root to move through the canal, normal movement can irritate. Stenosis can be congenital, can occur with age, or can be caused by a herniated disc pushing into the canal space." Illustration of Lumbar Anatomy Foramina "the area where the nerve roots exit the spinal canal (foramina)"
|