Friends, have you ever had any lower back pain, along with a few other symptoms like leg pain, buttocks, leg sensation issues, etc? If yes, it is best to consult a doctor immediately and not ignore the symptoms. You may be suffering from SPINAL STENOSIS. As per the latest medical reports the instances of spinal stenosis among Indian citizens, especially among seniors is around 20%, and it is rapidly rising.
Spinal stenosis is linked to obesity, and the rise in the number of seniors being diagnosed with this is due to the increase in obesity among seniors. This is not a mild disease and can cripple your lifestyle in many ways, because of the pain and movement issues. Hence, it is essential to watch out for any progressive symptoms of the kind and take necessary medical help.
What is Spinal Stenosis?
As we age, we may have bone issues like osteoarthritis , which is one te factors leading to this disease. Also, ligaments connecting the spine and the bones may thicken, which is another factor resulting in this condition. Another issue could be that the cushioning between disks in the vertebrae has deteriorated. All these cause the spinal canal to narrow down. Hence, the nerves that travel down to the legs may become pinched at the bottom of spine; this is what causes the pain and the inability to walk properly, weakness in the legs, a sensation of numbness in the affected legs, or even the buttocks, etc.
Few people may even experience balance issues and may even fall. This mostly happens in the lower spine, called as the lumbar spine. The symptoms may usually be mixed up with other issues, and hence it is slightly tricky to diagnose. People who have no medical history of back pain also may end having this. In a few rare cases, people with bone tumours, or even some spinal defects at birth can develop this disease.
The Diagnosis
When faced with any of the symptoms mentioned above, it is best to visit a spine specialist. Post some physical examination, the doctor depending on the severity of the symptoms may advise tests like X ray, or even an MRI or CT scan of the spine. If required an electromyogram may also be done to check your spinal nerve health or even a bone scan. Based on all the reports, the doctor will decide the line of treatment.
The Treatment
In most of the case physiotherapy is recommended to strengthen the muscles and progressively relieve the pain. A physiotherapist may suggest multiple exercises and at times, you may even be asked to go spine shortwave treatments as part of the physio regime as well. Massage, heat packs or ice packs can also help reduce the pain in the back, in case it is needed But these should be done, only in consultation with the doctor.
At times, the doctor may suggest cortisone injections into the spinal column, or prescribe some Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to relieve the pain. Most instances will recover with combination of these therapies. Regular physiotherapy will improve one’s flexibility, in some instances, it is possible that surgery may be suggested to help recover from the situation.
In the end, while it is painful condition and should be attended to so that it does not interfere with your everyday life, it is not a dangerous one as a such. So, with treatment, people can continue to lead a healthy life, without any other complications.
Waiting for your feedback/comments on this blog.
Anil Malik
Mumbai, India
13th January 2025