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Lower Back Discomfort That Increases With Walking And Standing. History Of Lumbar Spinal Fusion. What Could Be Causing This?
Posted on
Mon, 5 Dec 2011
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Mon, 5 Dec 2011
Answered on
Sun, 17 Jun 2012
Last reviewed on
Question : I have had a lumbar spinal fusion 3 yrs. ago. I continue to have a pressure and heaviness of my lower back that increases with walking and standing. What could be causing this?
Hello
Hi,
Thanks for the query.
Regarding the lower back pain which increases on standing and walking, I feel you are probably suffering from spinal stenosis. Spinal disc degeneration coupled with disease in joints of the low back can lead to spinal-canal narrowing (spinal stenosis). People with spinal stenosis may have pain which can sometimes radiate down both lower extremities while standing for a long time or walking even short distances.
Other reason may be just musculoskeletal pain localized to the back. In the back ground of spinal fusion in the past I would tend to favour spinal stenosis.
If you cannot manage the pain using the medicine you are currently prescribed, this may be an indication for a re-evaluation from your spine surgeon. Because many different conditions may cause back pain, a thorough medical history is required along with a good clinical examination from your GP. X XXXXXXX or an MRI of the back can help in arriving at the diagnosis.
I thank you again for submitting your question. I hope you find my response to be both helpful and adequate. If you have any additional concerns regarding your question I would be happy to address them.
Sincerely,
Dr Shiva Kumar R
Hi,
Thanks for the query.
Regarding the lower back pain which increases on standing and walking, I feel you are probably suffering from spinal stenosis. Spinal disc degeneration coupled with disease in joints of the low back can lead to spinal-canal narrowing (spinal stenosis). People with spinal stenosis may have pain which can sometimes radiate down both lower extremities while standing for a long time or walking even short distances.
Other reason may be just musculoskeletal pain localized to the back. In the back ground of spinal fusion in the past I would tend to favour spinal stenosis.
If you cannot manage the pain using the medicine you are currently prescribed, this may be an indication for a re-evaluation from your spine surgeon. Because many different conditions may cause back pain, a thorough medical history is required along with a good clinical examination from your GP. X XXXXXXX or an MRI of the back can help in arriving at the diagnosis.
I thank you again for submitting your question. I hope you find my response to be both helpful and adequate. If you have any additional concerns regarding your question I would be happy to address them.
Sincerely,
Dr Shiva Kumar R
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Aparna Kohli
Answered by
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