What Is Lumbar Foraminal Stenosis?
One possible cause of lower back pain is lumbar foraminal stenosis. This condition occurs when the spaces (foramena) in the spine of the lower back, where nerves go to other parts of the body, become clogged or compressed.
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Causes
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According to Cedars-Sinai, the primary causes of foraminal stenosis are the wear and tear of age and conditions such as arthritis, which often cause bony spurs to develop in the foramena and press on the nerves. Other possible causes are falls and accidents.
Symptoms
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According to Spine Universe, the symptoms of lumbar foraminal stenosis include persistent low back pain that continues to get worse. The pain may or may not go down the legs. You may also experience numbness or weakness in your buttocks and legs. Symptoms tend to improve when you rest, lie down or bend forward.
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Treatment
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Possible treatments for lumbar foraminal stenosis include anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen, physical therapy, exercises, cortisone injections and surgery.
Cautions
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According to Spine Universe, the effects of cortisone injections are often temporary, and usually you should not receive more than three cortisone injections each year. One possible side effect of cortisone injections is weakening of surrounding tissue.
Surgery
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According to the University of Washington Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, the goal of surgery for stenosis is to create a larger opening for the nerves and spinal cord. The exact procedure depends on the underlying cause and may include laminectomy to remove part of a bone, discectomy to remove part of a disc or spinal fusion to correct instability.
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