The congenital form of spinal stenosis is seen in individuals who are born with a narrow spinal canal. In these individuals, minimal changes in the structure of the spine can cause severe spinal stenosis.

The more common acquired form of stenosis is caused by progressive changes in different spinal elements (such as the discs, joints, ligaments, etc.) As people age, all these different elements sag or bulge and form arthritis that narrows the spinal canal.

Patients with spinal stenosis complain mainly of leg pain which worsens with walking. Back pain is also commonly seen with this problem. The leg pain is often improved with sitting or bending over. Rarely, bowel or bladder symptoms or progressive weakness can occur; these symptoms are very severe and necessitate immediate surgery.

Spinal stenosis can be diagnosed with magnetic resonance imaging or a CT myelogram. Regular X-rays are helpful for evaluating the general bony structure of the back as well. After diagnosing spinal stenosis, anti-inflammatory medications, steroids, and narcotics may be prescribed. (For an in depth interview with Dr. Delamarter on Lumbar Spinal Stenosis click here.)

Physical therapy and steroid injections into the back may also be helpful in relieving the symptoms of stenosis. Furthermore, specialized nerve or joint blocks can be helpful for diagnosing and treating this problem.

Rarely, the above modes of treatment do not improve the patients' leg/back pain. In this case, surgery is an effective means of relieving the pressure on the nerves. Surgery involves the removal of the bony and ligamentous bulges which are placing pressure on the nerves.

Advances in medical technology and new investigative devices may offer new hope.

One such investigational device is coflex® — a dynamic stabilization implant designed to create spinal stability while working to return your spine to a state that more closely resembles its normal physiology.

A clinical research study is currently enrolling patients to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the coflex device as compared to pedicle screw fixation and spinal fusion. You or someone you know who is suffering from lumbar spinal stenosis may be eligible to participate in the study.