The Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis
The Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis https://phoenixspineandjoint.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/shutterstock_597423008-1024x683.jpg 1024 683 Phoenix Spine & Joint https://phoenixspineandjoint.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/shutterstock_597423008-1024x683.jpgSpinal stenosis means narrowing of the spinal canal. In the lower back, spinal stenosis causes pain in the legs with walking. You can see it in the supermarket, where patients lean over on their carts to relieve the pain as they walk. Allowed to progress spinal stenosis goes on to cause weakness and numbness in the legs, loss of bowel or bladder control, and eventually paralysis.
Not everyone who has pain in the legs has spinal stenosis. Leg pain with walking is also caused by clogged arteries or veins. Your doctor can screen for this condition by comparing the blood pressure taken in your arms to that in your legs. The radio is called the Ankle Brachial Index. If you have cold feet and pain in your legs with walking ask your doctor to test your ABI. You can also come into any PS&J location and we will take it for you— for free.
In the bad old days patients with spinal stenosis actually became so weak they would end up bedbound, paralyzed, and then die of a urinary tract infection. We’re not going to let that happen to you.
Spinal stenosis is suspected based on your symptoms but the diagnosis is confirmed with an MRI scan of your low back. Studies have shown that epidural injection is not an effective treatment for spinal stenosis. However, in the early stages, many of the symptoms of spinal stenosis are relieved by exercise. As the condition progresses laminectomy surgery is recommended for those who are medically fit to undergo anesthesia and surgery.
If you have pain in your legs with walking contact Phoenix Spine and Joint and come in to see Dr. Foxx. She will examine you, establish the appropriate diagnosis, and start you on a course of treatment designed to fit you.
