Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: A Cause of Sciatica Nerve Pain

Lumbar spinal stenosis is frequently the cause of sciatica nerve pain.   Lumbar spinal stenosis is a condition which develops when the spinal canal narrows due to degeneration and compresses on spinal nerves and nerve roots.    This compression may create sciatica nerve pain.

Symptoms gradually develop in people in their 50's and 60's and worsen as time goes on.   Eventually everyone, if they live long enough, will experience sciatica nerve pain.    It is believed 95 percent of people will have at least one significant episode of low back pain by the age of 60. 

Symptoms of pain in the back, buttocks and legs similar to sciatica nerve pain may indicate lumbar spinal stenosis.    Standing and walking aggravates the sciatica nerve pain, which may be relieved by sitting or leaning forward.    

Surprisingly, people afflicted with lumbar spinal stenosis can often ride an exercise bike without an increase in the sciatica nerve pain.     The leaning forward position used on the bicycle creates more space in the spinal canal which lessens the pressure on the sciatica nerve. 

Diagnosis of lumbar spinal stenosis is made through a history of symptoms, physical examination and x-rays.   If your doctor needs a more detailed report, he may request a MRI or CT Scan.   All of these procedures may assist your doctor in determining the best course of treatment for your sciatica nerve pain. 

The first treatment approach your doctor is likely to prescribe for your lumbar spinal stenosis sciatica nerve pain is one of a conservative nature.

Anti-inflammatories, and possibly over-the-counter pain medication, may be used to reduce swelling.    In the event anti-inflammatories are not successful, steroid injections may be utilized.     With this method, anti-inflammatories are injected into the spinal canal.    Relief from sciatica nerve pain may last from weeks to months and permit you to participate in a more vigorous exercise program.

Aerobic conditioning and strengthing and flexibility exercises are paramount to control of sciatica nerve pain originating from lumbar spinal stenosis.   Sciatica nerve pain may cause you to avoid exercise to minimize aggravation of the pain.      Reduced flexibility and strength in your core muscles exacerbate sciatica nerve pain. 

Conservative treatment includes chiropractic.     Your chiropractor will plan a stretching and strengthening program designed to control sciatica nerve pain from lumbar spinal stenosis.    Your chiropractor may focus on stretching to increase your muscle flexibility and recommend you practice stretching frequently.      As well, your chiropractor will teach you strengthening exercises specifically directed at your back, abdomen and legs.

Once your stretching and strengthening program is established and gradually increased, the chiropractor may suggest some form of aerobic exercise to improve your blood circulation to your nerves.     Vascular problems can contribute to sciatica nerve pain felt from lumbar spinal stenosis. 

Chiropractic or other non-conservative treatment cannot reverse narrowing of the spinal canal, but it could positively affect your lifestyle and quality of life with less sciatica nerve pain and greater functioning capability.