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My Dad (age 78) Diagnosed With Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Several
Posted on
Tue, 6 Aug 2019
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Tue, 6 Aug 2019
Answered on
Last reviewed on
Question : My dad (age 78) diagnosed with lumbar spinal stenosis several years ago. Tried physical therapy several times and is trying one last ditch effort. His symptoms are shuffling, weakness, loss of balance, occasional urinary urgency (no incontinence) and pain. He can barely walk. He is considering surgery finally now that my mom has passed and he has the time. I’m looking up this condition online it seems his symptoms are worse than what I’m reading about. Can surgery still be successful at this point? Could it be something else too?
I guess what I’m asking is are these symptoms consistent with spinal stenosis and if so are symptoms past the point of surgery helping him?
Brief Answer:
Yes...Surgery if nerve compression is progressive .
Detailed Answer:
Hi Lindasusanmerritt,
Thank you for the query.
The symptoms you have written, are those of long standing compression on lumber &sacral nerves at spinal level(obviously due to stenosis).The basic cause of the problem now needs to be dealt with...as the symptoms are getting aggravated &we should try to give him a self sufficient &enjoyable life.
Weakness, loss of balance is due to muscular weakness/atrophy following long standing compressed nerve supply .For this removal of the pressure on nerves at spinal level along with protein supplements & physiotherapy to improve muscular power is the answer.
Appearance of urinary urgency ...which can progress to incontinence.The cause here can be neurogenic(spinal confession)/ age wise enlargement of prostate. prostate cause needs to be evaluated with consultation of a surgen.Also neurogenic cause should be confirmed by nerve conduction test & if test is favorable.&father's health is good to stand the surgery.... in my opinion you should go for surgery.
I hope that helps you. Any follow up query you have please ask...it's welcome.
Thanks
Yes...Surgery if nerve compression is progressive .
Detailed Answer:
Hi Lindasusanmerritt,
Thank you for the query.
The symptoms you have written, are those of long standing compression on lumber &sacral nerves at spinal level(obviously due to stenosis).The basic cause of the problem now needs to be dealt with...as the symptoms are getting aggravated &we should try to give him a self sufficient &enjoyable life.
Weakness, loss of balance is due to muscular weakness/atrophy following long standing compressed nerve supply .For this removal of the pressure on nerves at spinal level along with protein supplements & physiotherapy to improve muscular power is the answer.
Appearance of urinary urgency ...which can progress to incontinence.The cause here can be neurogenic(spinal confession)/ age wise enlargement of prostate. prostate cause needs to be evaluated with consultation of a surgen.Also neurogenic cause should be confirmed by nerve conduction test & if test is favorable.&father's health is good to stand the surgery.... in my opinion you should go for surgery.
I hope that helps you. Any follow up query you have please ask...it's welcome.
Thanks
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Answered by
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