ILBNC, P.A. -- News

Lumbar stenosis is a condition of the low back where narrowing of the spinal canal causes compression of the nerve roots. When nerve roots are compressed, they can cause weakness and numbness, but more typically cause significant pain. The pain is typically felt in the low back down into the posterior buttocks and posterior thighs. It typically is worse with standing and walking as these narrow the spinal canal further. Relief is often felt when sitting down. This can lead to significant diminishment of activity, pain requiring narcotics and even difficulties with bowel, bladder and muscle control. In rather extensive cases it can lead all the way to lower extremity paralysis. It is very common in the aging population.

Treatment options include medications, physical therapy, spinal injections in the forrn of epidurals and surgery. If the patient ~Ias failed all nonoperative treatments, the treatment options would include a decompression which is removal of the roof of the spinal canal, also known as a laminectomy. Sometimes with a decompression there must be a fusion done as well in order to stop any instability that might be caused by doing the decompression. A relatively new entry to the treatment arena is something known as an interspinous spacer, also known as an X STOP®. When placed through a small incision, this actually opens the area between two spinous processes and thereby opens the spinal canal. It is typically best used with people who are having the pain when up and standing which goes away when sitting. It is a more minimally invasive procedure and one that can be done even on an out-patient basis. Rather than a lengthy hospital stay, oftentimes patients can go horne as early as that day.

The Institute for Low Back and Neck Care is committed to treating these types of problems first with nonoperative treatments and if necessary moving on to surgical interventions. If you are experiencing these types of symptoms, feel free to contact our office for an assessment at 1-800-669-2513.

Jeffrey S. Pinto, MD Spine Orthopedic Surgeon Neuroscience/Spine Institute Abbott Northwestern Hospital