Diagnosing Spinal Stenosis
MRI (Multi Resonance Imaging) is the best imaging procedure used for diagnosing Lumbar Spinal Stenosis.
CT may be somewhat useful, and can be used if MRI is unavailable, but normally a MRI scan is needed to accurately diagnose Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
What are the symptoms of Spinal Stenosis
Spinal Stenosis Symptoms
Signs of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis include neurogenic intermittent claudication which results in leg pain, weakness, tingling and loss of deep tendon reflexes. The pain can be varying from a dull ache to a sharp stabbing pain.
The symptoms of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis are sometimes confused with that of Sciatica.
Lower back pain may or may not be present. With lumbar spinal stenosis, the patient's pain is usually worse while standing or walking. Some patients state that the only relief from the pain is when able to lay horizontally. The patient is usually more comfortable while leaning forward, such as walking being supported by a walking stick.
The pain usually increases when the spine is extended at the hip, which is why patients prefer to lean forward or to sit down, as these actions flex the body at the hip.
Signs of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis include neurogenic intermittent claudication which results in leg pain, weakness, tingling and loss of deep tendon reflexes. The pain can be varying from a dull ache to a sharp stabbing pain.
The symptoms of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis are sometimes confused with that of Sciatica.
Lower back pain may or may not be present. With lumbar spinal stenosis, the patient's pain is usually worse while standing or walking. Some patients state that the only relief from the pain is when able to lay horizontally. The patient is usually more comfortable while leaning forward, such as walking being supported by a walking stick.
The pain usually increases when the spine is extended at the hip, which is why patients prefer to lean forward or to sit down, as these actions flex the body at the hip.
What is Spinal Stenosis?
Spinal stenosis is a spine condition in which the spinal canal narrows and puts pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. Spinal Stenosis is usually a condition related to aging. Sometimes spinal stenosis is caused by spinal disc herniation, osteoporosis or a tumour.
Spinal stenosis may affect the cervical vertebrae, the lumbar vertebrae or both.
Lumbar spinal stenosis results in, and can cause lower back pain as well as pain or abnormal sensations in the legs, thighs, feet or buttocks, or loss of bladder and bowel control.
Spinal stenosis usually occurs after the age of 50, and both genders are equally affected.
Spinal stenosis may affect the cervical vertebrae, the lumbar vertebrae or both.
Lumbar spinal stenosis results in, and can cause lower back pain as well as pain or abnormal sensations in the legs, thighs, feet or buttocks, or loss of bladder and bowel control.
Spinal stenosis usually occurs after the age of 50, and both genders are equally affected.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Spinal Stenosis Introduction
Earlier this year I was among other things diagnosed with 2 degenerated discs and spinal stenosis.
On this blog you will find Xrays, MRI and CT scans and images showing spinal stenosis of the lower back and degenerated discs with herniation. You can also read about living with spinal stenosis and degenerated discs.
Upon MRI examination of my spine the doctors here in Bangkok noticed a 'mass' on my right kidney. This concerned me more than the discovery of the degenerated discs and spinal stenosis. From the beginning I knew that the problem with my right leg and the paralyzing was not due to the herniated discs or the spinal stenosis. The way it happened was not in any way symptomatic with a herniation of the discs. More on that later.
To start with lets take a look at a MRI scan that shows the degenerated discs.
(1) + (2)This MRI scan shows desiccated discs at L4/5 and L5/S1. Note that the discs appear much darker than the upper two discs. This is due to the herniation of the spinal discs.
On this blog you will find Xrays, MRI and CT scans and images showing spinal stenosis of the lower back and degenerated discs with herniation. You can also read about living with spinal stenosis and degenerated discs.
Upon MRI examination of my spine the doctors here in Bangkok noticed a 'mass' on my right kidney. This concerned me more than the discovery of the degenerated discs and spinal stenosis. From the beginning I knew that the problem with my right leg and the paralyzing was not due to the herniated discs or the spinal stenosis. The way it happened was not in any way symptomatic with a herniation of the discs. More on that later.
To start with lets take a look at a MRI scan that shows the degenerated discs.
(1) + (2)This MRI scan shows desiccated discs at L4/5 and L5/S1. Note that the discs appear much darker than the upper two discs. This is due to the herniation of the spinal discs.
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