Symptoms are more likely to be present or get worse when you stand or walk. They often lessen or disappear when you sit down or lean forward. Most people with spinal stenosis cannot walk for a long period without having significant pain.
Heated and cold compresses: A heat compress or a hot shower will help to loosen up muscles, while cool compresses alleviate inflammation. Both can be used as needed in the affected areas. Over-the-counter medications: Pain medications can provide some temporary relief of discomfort, pain and inflammation.
Symptoms of lumbar spinal stenosis
This is pain that begins in your buttocks and extends down your leg. It may continue into your foot. A heavy feeling in your legs, which may lead to cramping in one or both legs. Numbness or tingling (“pins and needles”) in your buttocks, leg or foot.
Spinal stenosis can't be cured but responds to treatment.
But Dr. Hennenhoefer says you can live a normal life with a spinal stenosis diagnosis and can work on improving your mobility and comfort.
Flare ups may be caused by muscle spasms, which can be caused by bending or twisting suddenly.
Lumbar spinal stenosis tends to have symptoms that come and go. This is especially true when the condition is in its early stages. When spinal stenosis patients suddenly experience symptoms (or worsened symptoms), it's known as a flare-up. Spinal stenosis likely comes and goes due to nerve compression.
Spinal stenosis in the lower back can cause pain or cramping in one or both legs. This happens when you stand for a long time or when you walk. Symptoms get better when you bend forward or sit. Some people also have back pain.
The amount of time needed to fully recover from lumbar stenosis will differ depending on the patient and the treatment plan. However, generally speaking, most patients recover from spinal stenosis within six months to a year of beginning treatment.
In spinal stenosis, people typically experience less pain with leaning forward, and especially with sitting. Studies of the lumbar spine show that leaning forward can increase the space available for the nerves. Pain is usually made worse by standing up straight and walking.
A weight machine is much more effective if you still want to lift weight despite the condition. The weight machine can stabilize other body parts, allowing you to strengthen your arms or legs without compressing your back. If you must lift free weights, do it under supervision.
Most people with spinal stenosis cannot walk for a long period without having significant pain. More serious symptoms include: Difficulty or poor balance when walking. Problems controlling urine or bowel movements.
Symptoms of spinal stenosis in the lower back can include: Pain in the lower back. Burning pain or ache that radiates down the buttocks and into the legs, that typically worsens with standing or walking and gets better with leaning forward (flexion).
High-impact activities: Activities that involve high-impact, such as jumping, running, or contact sports, should be avoided as they can cause further injury to the spine. Heavy lifting: Heavy lifting can put a lot of stress on your spine and exacerbate your symptoms.
Weill Cornell Medicine Pain Management offers a new technology to treat spinal stenosis and minimize the painful symptoms. Vertiflex superion is a device that is implanted into the area of the spine causing pain and relieves pressure on the affected nerves.
Walking is a suitable exercise for you if you have spinal stenosis. It is low-impact, and you can easily vary the pace as needed. Consider a daily walk (perhaps on your lunch break or as soon as you get home).
Side Sleeping
If you cannot sleep on your back due to other health issues, try changing your sleeping positions to the side. You can use pillows to align your shoulders and pelvis so that your spine is not twisted or curved.
Spinal Stenosis
With this condition, it may be preferable to sleep on the sides with the knees curled up (in the fetal position). This helps relieve pressure on the nerve root. Sleeping in a reclining chair or an adjustable bed that allows the head and knees to remain elevated can also relieve pressure on the nerve.
Standing in one position, such as in line at a checkout will also make their symptoms worse. Some people also develop numbness or tingling in their legs. Lying down or bending backwards also can make their symptoms worse.
Lumbar spinal stenosis is common, affecting approximately 11% of older adults in the US. While studies have found that approximately 20% of adults older than 60 years have evidence of spinal stenosis on imaging scans, more than 80% do not experience symptoms and therefore do not need treatment.
According to the British Medical Journal, after symptoms appear, patients with severe aortic stenosis have a survival rate as low as 50% at 2 years – and 20% at 5 years – without aortic valve replacement. So timely treatment is critical if you exhibit symptoms.
Symptoms of Severe Spinal Stenosis
As we age, the spinal column can lose its structural integrity and put a great deal of pressure on the nerves. This can lead to excruciating pain that can substantially affect a person's quality of life.
As there is no cure for spinal stenosis, early detection, and treatment of the root cause can provide significant pain relief and improve symptoms.
Usually, our spine specialists consider surgery only if symptoms such as weakness, numbness, or pain in the arms or legs indicate severe or progressive nerve or spinal cord compression.
You're age 50 or older. Aging is the prime culprit behind most cases of spinal stenosis. Simply going about your life by bending and flexing your spine causes wear-and-tear injuries that can lead to arthritis.