Signs of Spinal Stenosis
Most doctors diagnose spinal stenosis based on a set of common symptoms and tests. The tests used to diagnose spinal stenosis include X-ray, MRI and CT scan. Before ordering one of these tests, most doctors will look for a certain set of consistent symptoms.
Symptoms of spinal stenosis may manifest differently in some people, but the most common symptoms are:
- Low back pain: not all patients will experience spinal stenosis as back pain, but some will
- Sciatica: pressure on spinal nerves can result in pain in the areas that the nerves supply. The pain typically starts in the area of the buttocks and radiates down the leg.
- Numbness in the butt or legs: numbness and tingling may accompany a tingling feeling in the butt or legs
- Weakness: if you are experiencing weakness in one leg, it may be a sign of spinal stenosis
- Loss of sensation in the feet
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Pain on the back of legs
- Pain in one or both of legs
- Balance problems
- Falling
Treatments
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, you may have lumbar spinal stenosis. Spinal stenosis can cause discomfort and pain, to treat the pain associated with spinal stenosis there are several options including:
- Anti-inflammatory medicine
- Physical therapy
- Epidural steroid injections
- Surgery
Before considering surgery, it is best to try other treatments including epidural steroid injections. The doctors at Oklahoma Interventional Spine and Pain, including Dr. Brandon Claflin and Dr. Jeff Halsell, treat their patients experiencing pain from spinal stenosis with several options including epidural steroid injections. These injections are a safe and effective method for treating lumbar spinal stenosis.
Summary
If you would like more information from this blog, or to request an appointment with our doctors, please call 918-728-8020.