Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis is caused by the narrowing of the spinal column, resulting in increased pressure upon the spinal cord and nerves. Symptoms include lower back pain, leg weakness, and a loss of sensation or feeling. Spinal stenosis is often onset by arthritis in the spine and unnatural bony protrusions called “spurs.” The spurs cause the narrowing.
Treating spinal stenosis is usually non-surgical, and the pain that results from the disorder can be relieved with pain medication—OTC or prescription—physical therapy, gabapentin (an anti-seizure medication that dulls the nerves), and antidepressant medications. Only in rare cases is surgery performed.
