Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Severe Back Pain While Diagnosed With Spinal Stenosis?
Question: I am having a lot of pain in my lower back through my right leg to the knee. Years ago I was diagnosed with Spinal Stenosis What do I about this?
Brief Answer:
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
Such pain starting from the lumbar region and spreading to one limb usually is related to a nerve root compression in your back. I see from other questions of yours that the symptoms are exacerbated by the sitting position which supports thst hypothesis. Being already known for spinal stenosis confirms that as well. The compression is due to bulging of the discs between the vertebrae, arthritis changes, a congenitally (born) narrow spinal canal or commonly several of those factors in combination.
In terms of management initially it consists in pain killers like Ibuprofen and physical therapy. Muscle relaxants like flexeril cam be usefd for a couple of weeks.
If after 4-6 weeks therapy doesn't work, or earlier if there is worsening (involvement of both limbs, urinary retention) than imaging is necessary to determine the need for further steps like local injections with steroids and analgesics or as a last resort surgery.
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
Such pain starting from the lumbar region and spreading to one limb usually is related to a nerve root compression in your back. I see from other questions of yours that the symptoms are exacerbated by the sitting position which supports thst hypothesis. Being already known for spinal stenosis confirms that as well. The compression is due to bulging of the discs between the vertebrae, arthritis changes, a congenitally (born) narrow spinal canal or commonly several of those factors in combination.
In terms of management initially it consists in pain killers like Ibuprofen and physical therapy. Muscle relaxants like flexeril cam be usefd for a couple of weeks.
If after 4-6 weeks therapy doesn't work, or earlier if there is worsening (involvement of both limbs, urinary retention) than imaging is necessary to determine the need for further steps like local injections with steroids and analgesics or as a last resort surgery.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
