As we age, our spines change. These normal wear-and-tear effects of aging can lead to narrowing of the spinal canal. This condition is called spinal stenosis.
Degenerative changes of the spine are seen in up to 95% of people by the age of 50. Spinal stenosis most often occurs in
adults over 60 years old. Pressure on the nerve roots is equally common in men and women.
A small number of people are born with back problems that develop into lumbar spinal stenosis. This is known as congenital spinal stenosis. It occurs most often in men. People usually first notice symptoms between the ages of 30 and 50 (AAOS, 2015)
Back pain. People with spinal stenosis may or may not have back pain, depending on the degree of arthritis that has developed.
Burning pain in buttocks or legs (sciatica). Pressure on spinal nerves can result in pain in the areas that the nerves supply. The pain may be describe d as an ache or a burning feeling. It typically starts in the area of the buttocks and radiates down the leg. As it progresses, it can result in pain in the foot.
Numbness or tingling in buttocks or legs. As pressure on the nerve increases, numbness and tingling often accompany the burning pain. Although not all patients will have both burning pain and numbness and tingling.
Weakness in the legs or “foot drop.” Once the pressure reaches a critical level, weakness can occur in one or both legs. Some patients will have a foot-drop, or the feeling that their foot slaps on the ground while walking.
Less pain with leaning forward or sitting. Studies of the lumbar spine show that leaning forward can actually increase the space available for the nerves. Many patients may note relief when leaning forward and especially with sitting. Pain is usually made worse by standing up straight and walking. Some patients note that they can ride a stationary bike or walk leaning on a shopping cart. Walking more than 1 or 2 blocks, however, may bring on severe sciatica or weakness.
Nonsurgical treatment options focus on restoring function and relieving pain. Although nonsurgical methods do not improve the narrowing of the spinal canal, many people report that these treatments do help relieve symptoms.
Surgical Treatment
Surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis is generally reserved for patients who have poor quality of life due to pain and weakness. Patients may complain of difficulty walking for extended periods of time. This is often the reason that patients consider surgery.
There are two main surgical options to treat lumbar spinal stenosis: laminectomy and spinal fusion. Both options can result in excellent pain relief. Be sure to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of both with your doctor.
At this time, no means exists for preventing chardoma. However, researchers continue to investigate hereditary causes and the reasons behind Chordoma in people with no apparent genetic links.
Meet
Dr Hamid Mir is a board certified orthopedic spine surgeon with fellowship training in combined neurosurgery and orthopedic spine surgery. He has offices in OC, Los Angeles & Riverside. Dr Mir specializes in spinal fusion, lumbar surgery and treating trauma as well as other conditions affecting the lumbar, thoracic, and cervical spine including degenerative diseases, stenosis, fracture, infection, adult scoliosis, revision, and complex reconstructions.
Testimonials
I was in a very bad situation with a herniated disc in my lower back so I made an appointment with DISC spine center and Dr. Hamid. He was very professional and made me comfortable that he understood exactly what I was going through and was able to communicate effectively exactly what it will take to get me on the road to recovery after spine surgery. It took several months as my injury was severe however I always felt I was in good hands under Dr. Hamid’s supervision…If you ever have the misfortune of injuring your circuit board of your body (spine) you need a pro, do not take advice from anyone who’s not specifically licensed to help, Dr Hamid is who I chose and I’m very thankful.
Dr. Mir saw me about 2 months before the spine procedure and indicated that I had severe stenosis or narrowing of the openings where the nerve roots exit at the L4, L5 and S1 level. He reviewed my MRI and without wasting any time, asked if I wanted or was considering spinal surgery. He was extremely clear and answered all my questions. I had the procedure done at the Disc Newport OP surgery spine center and was cared for by an incredibly competent, caring staff. I was discharged same day and my post op recovery was 2 weeks, and returned to daily activities and work July 15th. The procedure was very successful as my back pain is basically gone. Amazing relief from a procedure done by a great surgeon with a great team!
Dr Mir is an excellent spine surgeon. I had a surgery on my neck by another surgeon but I was still in pain. A friend who had prior spine surgery with Dr. Mir recommended him to me. As the treating surgeon he was very detail oriented, confident, and knowledgeable. His team is very friendly and helpful. I decided to have a second cervical spine operation on my neck. Soooo thankful I have no pain and for physical medicine doctors like him.
Dr. Mir and his entire team of specialists take the extra time and consideration to shape alternatives to meet the needs (holistically) of the patient. Everything about the experience of my surgery was positive. Dr. Mir is a patient and compassionate surgeon. His communication skills are remarkably attentive. We are six months out of the starting gate from surgical treatment, and with PT and core strengthening exercises, this 65 yr. old is back to regular training for next year’s marathon. Thank you kindly El Doc-tor….you are amazing! See you soon.
Dr. Hamid Mir is a member of American Board of Orthopedic Surgery with fellowship training in combined neurosurgical and orthopedic spine surgery at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in 2004. As a top rated spine surgeon, he specializes in cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine diseases including degenerative, stenosis, fracture, infection, scoliosis, revision, and complex reconstructions.
Dr. Mir focused his practice on minimally invasive techniques. As Medical Director of DISC Sports & Spine Center, Dr. Mir is at the forefront of the field of minimally invasive spine surgery. The benefits of these techniques include less post-operative pain, quicker recovery reduced blood loss, less soft tissue damage, smaller surgical incisions, less scarring and improved function.
ORANGE COUNTY LOCATION
3501 Jamboree Road Ste. 1250
Newport Beach, CA 92660