Lumbar spinal stenosis is a relatively common spine condition that occurs in an aging spine.The incidence of stenosis is between 8 and 11 percent in individuals over the age of 50, and increases with age.
The term stenosis is simply defined as narrowing of an opening.With lumbar spinal stenosis, this narrowing typically occurs within, or between adjacent vertebrae (spinal column bones), in the spaces where the nerves run.This structural, degenerative, progressive condition may be caused by degeneration of the discs, ligaments, muscles, but even osteoarthritis or spondylolisthesis of the spine.
Progressive spinal stenosis may be very debilitating for some individuals.Typical symptoms may include pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs, pain in the low back, and restricted movement of the spine.
The treatment for lumbar spinal stenosis ranges from taking medications (anti-inflammatory, pain medicine), to injections, to activity modification and exercise, to physical therapy, and even surgical interventions. The extent, length, and severity of symptoms will likely dictate the course of treatment recommended.
A recent research article in the Annals of Internal Medicine compared physical therapy to surgical intervention in patients suffering from lumbar spinal stenosis.The study consisted of 169 patients, over the age of 50, whose lumbar spinal stenosis was severe enough that surgical decompression was recommended. 87 patients underwent surgery, and 82 patients followed a PT regimen. The researchers followed up with the patients for two years after the treatment, primarily focusing on their physical function.There were similar functional improvements at two years in both the PT and surgical decompression group.The authors of the study concluded that “Surgical decompression yielded similar effects to a PT regimen among patients with LSS who were surgical candidates.”
Physical therapy should be considered as a key approach for treatment of individuals with lumbar spinal stenosis.A skilled physical therapist is capable of accurately diagnosing the cause of, and extent of functional disability as a result of spinal stenosis. Physical therapy treatment will then be initiated to decrease symptoms, facilitate return to normal function, and improve the patient’s quality of life.
Dr. Moczerniuk is a doctor of physical therapy and a clinical director at db Orthopedic Physical Therapy of Manalapan LLC, located at 120 Craig Road, Suite 2. He can be reached at 732-462-2162 or via e-mail at [email protected] dborthopt.com.