Spinal stenosis

Background

• Low back pain that gets progressively worse over time
  • Check ankle-brachial index (ABI) to rule out vascular claudication
• Avoid alcohol and strengthen legs to prevent falls
• Exercise bike or walking recommended with rest when pain comes
  • Pain relieved with forward flexion (walking uphill)
  • Pain worse with extension (walking downhill)
• Decompressive laminectomy for severe persistent pain
• Adding spinal fusion to decompression improves outcome
• Even with surgery, symptoms may reoccur in a few years

See Also

• Lower back pain