Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Suggest Remedies To Manage Radiating Pain When Diagnosed With Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
Question: i have lumbar spinal stenosis diagonised there is reason for me to believe there is edema possibly in or around L4-5 is there any relief for this or is an op the only alternative for the pain and would it actually help i know this is limited info been to family dr pain meds, shots have not helped have radiating pain up and down spine with numbess in left leg and very sore to touch top of hips ,ribs and rib cage sore to touch.
Brief Answer:
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
Decision whether to intervene or not in spinal stenosis depends on the severity of symptoms and how much they are attributed to spinal stenosis. I am saying this last part because what you describe is not solely due to lumbar spinal stenosis, it should not cause the symptoms in the rib cage, that may be due to generalized arthritic changes.
As for the symptoms related to the stenosis, the back pain spreading to lower limb, that can be helped by surgery. Whether there are other options...pain medication, physical therapy, traction therapy are all valid options. They are all temporary measures to alleviate the symptoms though, they can be preferred when there are mild symptoms, or when it is thought that local edema is a strong contributor and when it subsides symptoms will regress. If the stenosis is severe however and there is disabling pain, I am afraid that in the long term surgery is more beneficial.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
Decision whether to intervene or not in spinal stenosis depends on the severity of symptoms and how much they are attributed to spinal stenosis. I am saying this last part because what you describe is not solely due to lumbar spinal stenosis, it should not cause the symptoms in the rib cage, that may be due to generalized arthritic changes.
As for the symptoms related to the stenosis, the back pain spreading to lower limb, that can be helped by surgery. Whether there are other options...pain medication, physical therapy, traction therapy are all valid options. They are all temporary measures to alleviate the symptoms though, they can be preferred when there are mild symptoms, or when it is thought that local edema is a strong contributor and when it subsides symptoms will regress. If the stenosis is severe however and there is disabling pain, I am afraid that in the long term surgery is more beneficial.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
