Dr. Ratish Kumar Mishra is a highly skilled and dedicated Consultant Orthopaedic and Spine surgeon currently associated with Sanjivini Hospital in Gomti Nagar, Lucknow. His areas of expertise include Neck Pain, Back Pain, Sciatica Pain, Slipped Disc, Lumbar Canal Stenosis, Spondylolisthesis, Fractures in the Spine, Spinal Cord Injury, Spine Tumors, and infections in the spine. He is also skilled in Scoliotic spine surgery and Deformity correction surgeries. He is well-versed in open, Minimally Invasive, and Endoscopic spine surgeries. He can perform anterior and posterior Cervical, Thoracic, and Lumbar spine surgery.”

 

Lumbar Canal Stenosis

Lumbar Canal Stenosis: Tightness or heaviness in hips and thighs on walking

Lumbar canal stenosis is a condition characterized by the narrowing of the spinal canal in the lower back, often leading to symptoms such as pain, numbness, and weakness in the legs. To empower the public with knowledge, it’s essential to understand the symptoms, causes, preventive measures, and available treatments for lumbar canal stenosis.

Symptoms:

  1. Leg Pain:
    • Lumbar canal stenosis typically causes pain in the legs, which may be described as aching, cramping, or sharp which increase on walking or standing and relieved with sitting and rest.
  2. Numbness and Tingling:
    • Individuals may experience sensations of numbness and tingling in the legs, often radiating from the lower back.
  3. Weakness:
    • Weakness in the legs, particularly during walking or standing, can occur and may affect balance and stability.
  4. Difficulty Walking:
    • Walking may become challenging, with symptoms worsening when walking for extended periods or uphill.
  5. Improvement with sitting and forward bending:
    • Symptoms often alleviate when sitting or bending forward, as this position can temporarily increase the space within the spinal canal.

Causes:

  1. Age-Related Changes:
    • Degenerative changes, such as the growth of bone spurs and thickening of ligaments, are common causes of lumbar canal stenosis.
  2. Herniated Discs:
    • Disc herniation can contribute to spinal canal narrowing, causing compression of nerves.
  3. Congenital Factors:
    • Some individuals may have a predisposition to lumbar canal stenosis due to congenital factors that result in a narrower spinal canal.
  4. Tumours:
    • Abnormal growths or tumours within the spinal canal can lead to stenosis by compressing the nerves.

Prevention:

  1. Regular Exercise:
    • Engaging in exercises that promote flexibility and strengthen the core muscles can support spinal health and reduce the risk of stenosis.
  2. Maintain Healthy Weight:
    • A healthy weight reduces stress on the spine, lowering the risk of degenerative changes that contribute to stenosis.
  3. Good Posture:
    • Maintaining proper posture during daily activities helps prevent excessive strain on the lower back and may reduce the risk of stenosis.
  4. Avoid Prolonged Standing:
    • Taking breaks and avoiding prolonged periods of standing can help reduce pressure on the lumbar spine.

Treatment:

  1. Conservative Measures:
    • Initial management often includes rest, physical therapy, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce inflammation and pain.
  2. Physical Therapy:
    • Targeted exercises and stretches can improve flexibility, strengthen supporting muscles, and alleviate symptoms.
  3. Medication:
    • Pain relievers, muscle relaxants, and anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed to manage symptoms.
  4. Epidural Steroid Injections:
    • Injections of corticosteroids into the affected area can help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
  5. Surgery:
    • In cases of severe or persistent lumbar canal stenosis, surgical interventions such as decompressive laminectomy may be considered to create more space within the spinal canal.

Conclusion:

Lumbar canal stenosis can affect daily life, but with a comprehensive understanding of its symptoms, causes, preventive measures, and treatment options, individuals can actively manage and alleviate their symptoms. If experiencing signs of lumbar canal stenosis or persistent lower back and leg discomfort, seeking professional medical advice is essential. Early intervention and adherence to preventive strategies contribute to improved outcomes and a better quality of life

    Patient’s Reviews

    Dr. Ratish is an exceptional Orthopedic Surgeon whose expertise and dedication truly stand out. His meticulous attention to detail, coupled with his compassionate patient care, make him a remarkable choice for anyone seeking orthopedic treatment. With a deep commitment to improving his patients' quality of life, Dr. Ratish’s skill and professionalism are truly admirable.

    Shefali Chimnani

    Patient

    Dr Ratish is an exceptional specialist in spine care. His expertise is evident in his precise diagnoses and effective treatments. His dedication to patient well-being and extensive experience makes him a top choice for anyone seeking spine-related medical assistance.

    Aman Ahuja

    Patient