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Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
Lumbar spinal stenosis occurs when the spinal canal in the lower back narrows. This narrowing occurs when the growth of bone or tissue reduces the size of the openings in the spinal bones. The narrowing may squeeze and irritate the nerves that exit the spinal cord to different parts of the body. It may squeeze and irritate the spinal cord itself. Eventually, the narrowing may cause pain, numbness, or weakness. This is most often felt in the legs, feet, and buttocks.
The changes in the shape and size of the spinal canal are often a result of the aging process. For example, the connective tissues (ligaments) may get thicker, or the joint disease called osteoarthritis may lead to the growth of bony spurs that press on the spinal cord.
These conditions can lead to problems that narrow the space in the spinal canal.
Symptoms of Lumbar Stenosis?
If the spinal cord or nerves become squeezed, symptoms may include:
- Numbness, weakness, cramping, or pain in the legs, feet, or buttocks. The pain is often relieved when you sit down or lean forward.
- Stiffness in the legs and thighs.
- Low back pain.
- In very severe cases, loss of bladder and bowel control.
The intensity of your symptoms may be more or less at different times. Many people do not have symptoms at all and will not require treatment.
Surgery
The most common surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis is a laminectomy, which relieves pressure on the spinal cord or the spinal nerve roots. Laminectomy removes part of the vertebra (bone and/or fibrous tissue) to create space for nerves. In many cases, spinal fusion will be done at the same time to stabilize the spine.
Conclusion
Dr. Haid assesses the use of Minimally Invasive Spine Procedures where ever they may be appropriate. His experience in the area of lumbar disease is unexcelled. If you want to learn more about Dr. Haid's contribution to spinal surgery, you may wish to visit the Patents and Innovations or the Teaching the Next Generation areas of this website.
Is Spine Surgery Right for You?
Our self-diagnostic tool will help you to establish if your condition might be surgically treated by Dr. Haid.
Dr. Haid treats cervical and lumbar disease. His practice focuses on cervical artificial discs, anterior and posterior cervical fusion, laminoplasty, lumbar fusion, and minimally invasive spine surgery.
Artificial Disc or Cervical Fusion?
Dr. Haid is recognized as one of the nations’ leading spine surgeons. He was co-developer of the first artifical cervical disc approved for use in the United States. He is the developer of TWO cervical fusion systems used around the world.
There is quite simply no physician better qualified to guide you through this important medical decision or to perform your surgery.
Having Surgery in Atlanta
The worlds’ busiest airport makes Atlanta an easy destination. As home to the 1996 Olympics, Atlanta offers world class medical facilities, accommodation, support and infrastucture.
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