Back Pain: Lumbar Radiculopathy and Spinal Stenosis
Two common causes of low back and leg symptoms: a pinched nerve in the lower back, and narrowing of the space around the spinal nerves.
Lumbar radiculopathy
Lumbar radiculopathy happens when a nerve in the lower back gets irritated or pinched. This usually causes pain or other problems in the lower back and down the leg. This condition often happens in men in their 40s and in women in their 50s or 60s. Women have a higher risk if they work in jobs that are very physical, like the military.
Common symptoms
- Muscle weakness
- Numbness
- Tingling or “pins and needles”
- Pain in the same areas
Prevention: to decrease stress on your spine
- Exercise often
- Keep good posture for sitting and lifting objects
- Avoid sitting for too long
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Reduce or avoid smoking
Spinal stenosis
The space around the spinal cord or nerves gets too small, which puts pressure on them. There are two types: central spinal stenosis and lateral foraminal stenosis. It is most common in people 50 years old and older, and is usually caused by aging and age-related changes in the spine.
Symptoms
- Pain, burning or aching in the lower back, neck, shoulders, arms, buttocks, thighs or calves
- Pain that gets worse with certain movements
- Nerve pain that spreads or causes trouble with walking
- Trouble walking or poor balance
- Weakness in the legs, feet, hands or arms
- Numbness, tingling or cramping in the legs, feet, hands or arms
Treatment: core strengthening, stretching (especially bending forward), water exercise and good posture.
Prevention: taking part in exercise and aerobic activities (walking, running, dancing, biking, swimming and many more).
