Stenosis... What is it? How is it treated?

Low back pain is a common ailment. In fact, it is the most common cause of job-related disability resulting in missed workdays and limiting or reducing one's activities. Yet, not all back pain is alike.

In the following article, we discuss one type of low back pain called lumbar spinal stenosis.

Stenosis: What is it?

Lumbar spinal stenosis, a common cause of low back pain, occurs when the spinal canal narrows. In more severe cases, the narrowing causes compression of the spinal cord or spinal nerves, which can cause painful symptoms like low pain or even pain in the legs or buttocks.

It is most often caused by arthritis - normal wear and tear as our bodies age. When the cartilage that covers and protects the joints wears away due to arthritis it can result in bone rubbing on bone. To make up for the most cartilage, the body may grow new bone in your facet joints to support the vertebrae. The spurs narrow the space for the nerves to pass resulting in terrible pain.

How is it treated?

Often times, initial treatment will be non-surgical. Physical therapy may be helpful and may be recommended along with anti-inflammatory medication, pain medication or steroid injections.

If these treatments are not successful, and you're still suffering from pain or weakness, surgery may be recommended. The two most common options include a laminectomy or spinal fusion. Be sure to discuss the advantages and disadvantages with your doctor.

Click here to see a video from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons about spinal stenonsis.

Are you suffering from low back pain? Discuss your options with one of our spine specialists. 

4 Easy Back Stretches to Relieve Aches and Pains

Remember how at ten years old you would go outside, play all day long on Saturday then get up and do it all over again the next day without missing a step? Trying this as an adult usually includes a lot of moaning about aches and pains. 

As adults we spend most of the day crouched over in a chair staring at a computer. Because of this, when you do get out and do some physical activity, your body doesn't bounce back like it used to. 

To relieve these aches and pains, here are 4 daily back stretches to help make you feel young again. 

1. Knees-to-Chest Stretch

While lying on your back, pull both knees up to your chest while simultaneously flexing your head forward until a comfortable stretch is felt in a balled-up position. Hold this position for 15 to 30 seconds, and then return to your starting position.

2. Trunk Rotation Stretch

Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. Keeping your shoulders firmly on the floor, roll your bent knees to one side. Hold for five to 10 seconds, and return to the starting position. Then repeat the exercise on the opposite side.

3. Hamstring Muscle Stretch

Lie on your back and grasp your left leg behind the knee. Raise your leg up to 90 degrees with your knee bent. Attempt to straighten your knee with your toes pointed back toward you. Repeat this exercise with your right leg.

4. Arm Cross Stretch

Extend one arm out straight in front of you. With the other hand, grab the elbow of the outstretched arm and pull it across your chest, stretching your shoulder and upper back muscles. Hold and then release. Repeat with your other arm.

And if you have a foam roller, read one of our previous blogs for additional stretches you can do. Keep up with Texas Orthopedics news by following us on Facebook and Twitter (@TexasOrthopedic).

Back Talk with Dr. Mukai at Freescale

Recently, Dr. Ai Mukai spoke to hundreds of Freescale employees about one of the most common reasons for missed work…back pain. It accounts for about 30 million visits to the doctor every year and comes with a price tag of $100-$200 billion for those doctor visits, x-rays, MRIs, medications and surgery. But here’s something you may not know…40-50% of people improve within one week of experiencing back pain symptoms, 85-90% improve in 6-12 weeks and 90% resolve without any kind of medical interaction.

Back Pain Culprits
Here are some common physiological causes of chronic back pain. While not all of them cause excruciating pain, they can definitely take its toll.
 

·         Mechanical Sprain or Strain

·         Bulged or Herniated Discs

·         Pinched Nerve or Radiculopathy

·         Spondylolysis/ Spondylolisthisis

·         Spinal Stenosis

·         Compression Fractures

·         Degenerative Scoliosis

·         Degeneration of the disc or facet joints

·         Sacro-Iliac Joint

·         Coccydynia – tailbone pain

Desk Jobs Can Cause Back Pain

Many of us don’t have a choice – being productive means sitting at a desk. And doing this for long stretches can be a major cause of back and neck pain.

Over time poor sitting posture and workplace ergonomics can damage spinal structures and contribute to recurrent back and neck pain. No matter how comfortable you are at your desk, prolonged, static posture is not good for your back. 

Try to remember to stand, stretch and walk for at least a minute or two every hour.  Moving about and stretching on a regular basis throughout the day will help keep your joints, ligaments, muscles and tendons loose, which in turn will help you feel more comfortable, more relaxed and more productive.

MYTH: Back Pain Treatment=Surgery
One of the biggest misconceptions people have about back pain treatment is that surgery is the best option. Nothing could be further from the truth.

After a thorough exam and patient history, our team at Texas Orthopedics will recommend the most appropriate course of treatment. It may be something as simple as exercise or physical therapy, use of NSAIDs/anti-inflammatory medications or bed rest. 

Contact us with questions about any back pain you may be experiencing.