Is lumbar spinal stenosis fatal?

Is lumbar spinal stenosis fatal?

The spinal canal runs through each vertebra, allowing the spinal cord to pass through the bone. When the canal narrows, it puts pressure on the spinal cord and the nerves branching off the spinal cord. While lumbar spinal stenosis is not life threatening, severe spinal stenosis can cause significant disability.

Is lumbar spinal stenosis crippling?

Typical Symptoms of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Spinal nerve root involvement may cause a more sharp, shooting type of pain in the leg. The symptoms of lumbar spinal stenosis develop slowly. As the condition progresses, the symptoms may worsen and become quite debilitating.

Is spinal stenosis debilitating?

Depending on its severity, untreated stenosis can become debilitating or even fatal. Mild cases of spinal stenosis can be treated through symptom management. For severe cases, especially those that affect quality of life or the nervous system, doctors might recommend surgery.

What is the prognosis for lumbar spinal stenosis?

In most cases the prognosis for spinal stenosis is very good. Many people can obtain good relief of their symptoms with nonsurgical treatment. In some case, as the stenosis becomes more severe, the nonsurgical treatment become less effective. For those patients, surgery is a good option to consider.

What causes spinal stenosis to flare up?

The most common cause of spinal stenosis is osteoarthritis, the gradual wear and tear that happens to your joints over time. Spinal stenosis is common because osteoarthritis begins to cause changes in most people’s spines by age 50. That’s why most people who develop symptoms of spinal stenosis are 50 or older.

Is lumbar stenosis serious?

Lumbar spinal stenosis can cause mild to serious symptoms, affecting daily life. While nonsurgical treatments are tried first, the patient may decide to have surgery if the symptoms are severe and cause significant dysfunction.