Suggest Treatment For Severe Pain When Diagnosed With Spinal Canal Stenosis

Posted on Mon, 1 Feb 2016

Question: moderate canal stenosis L3-4 level with asymmetrical disc bulge left of midline, same for L4-5 level apposes the region of the exiting left l4 nerve root. Moderate central canal stenosis with mild right and moderate left neural foraminal stenosis. I hope I didn't abbreviate too much. Pain is worse at night but the main complaint is the limitation on my walking and being unable to hike. I will be 77 in May and am overweight (210) 5' 5"

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (48 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
First conservative treatment, surgery should be considered too.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.

I have read your query and understand your concerns.

Spinal canal stenosis is a delicate health issue that needs to be evaluated and treated carefully, because progress of the condition may lead to serious neurological deficits.

Since your walking is restricted, this condition will probably need surgery to stop the disease progression and to reduce symptoms.

Before considering surgery, conservative treatment should be tried for a short time (about one month) and all regarding tests should be carried out.

Conservative treatment consists on loosing weight, physical therapy ( lumbosacral colum traction ) and use of NSAID drugs.

Besides MRI, dynamic x-rays of your lumbosacral column (flexed and extended position) to evaluate any spondylilysthesis.

These issues should be discussed with your treating Doctor.

Hope you found the answer helpful.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Greetings.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee