Lumbar Stenosis Relief at Dearborn Health
There are many conditions that can affect the spine, and one of these is lumbar spinal stenosis. This is a condition that can cause chronic low back pain, progressively worsening leg pain, heaviness and/or weakness in the legs and other symptoms. Fortunately, there are ways to manage the condition, one of which is through rehabilitation programs, which we offer here at Dearborn Health.
What Is It?
Lumbar spinal stenosis is a condition where the spinal canal narrows, which puts pressure on the spinal cord or nerves in the lower back. This narrowing can be caused by various factors, including wear and tear on the spine from aging, congenital factors, or degenerative conditions like arthritis. Progression of stenosis may lead to a wide-based gait, an intolerance to exercise, and significant lifestyle restrictions.
What Are the Symptoms?
If you experience any of the following, you may have lumbar spinal stenosis:
Numbness and/or pain
- in the thighs extending to the calves and shins
- increases after walking and is alleviated by resting
- are reduced by bending forward
Numbness
- is present in both legs
- is present in the soles of both feet
- arises around the buttocks
- is present, but pain is absent
Other symptoms
- Standing for a while brings on numbness and/or pain in the thighs down to the calves and shins.
- A burning sensation arises around the buttocks.
- Walking nearly causes urination.
These symptoms can range from mild to severe. In almost 7 out of 10 patients, the symptoms are bilateral or on both sides.
Although many other causes of lower back pain are worsened by prolonged sitting, lumbar spinal stenosis patients report gradually increasing symptoms from standing or walking and relief when sitting. Patients may report a reduction in symptoms when walking with a shopping cart or lawn mower, which causes slight lumbar flexion, or leaning forward.
Our Approach
At our practice, we seek to conservatively manage lumbar spinal stenosis. Goals for patients include restoring mobility and function, decompressing neural structures, and freeing neural adhesions. Our rehabilitation programs include manual therapy, stretching, and endurance strengthening exercises.
Book an appointment
If you think you may have lumbar spinal stenosis, we want to help you move and perform activities with greater ease and independence, minimizing pain and discomfort. Call (519) 884-4848 today to book an appointment.
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