Patient Information Resources


Long Island Spine Specialists, P.C.
763 Larkfield Road
2nd Floor
Commack, NY 11725
Ph: (631) 462-2225
Fax: (631) 462-2240






Child Orthopedics
General
Pain Management
Spine - Cervical
Spine - General
Spine - Lumbar
Spine - Thoracic

« Back

My 77-year old Nana was just diagnosed with spinal stenosis. What happens to people with this condition?

Stenosis refers to a narrowing or closure of an opening. In the spine, this refers to a narrowing of the spinal canal around the spinal cord. It can also mean narrowing of the small hole in the bone where the spinal nerves pass through.

Anything that narrows these openings can put pressure on the sensitive nerve tissue. Back and leg pain are common with this condition. Difficulty standing up straight and walking are also part of the picture for many patients.

What happens over time with a condition like spinal stenosis is called the natural history. Researchers have not studied the long-term results of lumbar spinal stenosis. We don't have a clear picture of the natural history for this problem.

There is treatment but we're not sure who benefits the most from it or why. Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are usually used along with physical therapy. The therapist can help patients with pain management, posture, and exercises. Sometimes activity modification can help, too. The therapist advises each patient according to his or her own situation.

If conservative care fails, surgery can be done. The bone around the spinal cord or spinal nerve is removed in order to take the pressure off. This is called surgical decompression. It works well for some patients but not at all for others. Again, we don't know who is most likely to have a good result. More study is needed in this area.


References:

« Back





*Disclaimer:*The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic.


All content provided by eORTHOPOD® is a registered trademark of Mosaic Medical Group, L.L.C.. Content is the sole property of Mosaic Medical Group, LLC and used herein by permission.