Dr. Ramkrishna Dahal Orthopedic and Spine Surgeon Book Appointment

Lumbar Canal Stenosis (Spinal Stenosis)

Spinal stenosis is narrowing of the spinal canal in the lower back that squeezes the nerves, usually after age 50. It causes leg pain or heaviness when walking that eases when you sit down. Dr. Ramkrishna Dahal treats it with physiotherapy first, and with minimally invasive decompression when needed.

Symptoms

  • Leg pain, heaviness or numbness when walking
  • Needing to sit down after walking a short distance
  • Relief when sitting or bending forward
  • Lower back stiffness

See a doctor urgently if

  • Loss of bladder or bowel control
  • Weakness or foot drop

Treatment

First: Physiotherapy, a walking programme and medicines.

If needed: Minimally invasive or endoscopic decompression to free the nerves. Fusion is added only if the spine is unstable.

Questions

Is spinal stenosis surgery safe for older patients?

Minimally invasive decompression causes less muscle damage and blood loss than open surgery, which suits many older patients. Fitness for surgery is checked for each patient.

When does spinal stenosis need surgery?

When walking distance keeps getting shorter despite treatment, or when there is weakness or bladder trouble.

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