Authors' recommendations: Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is a narrowing of the spinal canal that compresses the neural elements in the lower back. The resulting pain, weakness, and/or numbness in the legs is known as neurogenic intermittent claudication. Symptoms are relieved by postural flexion, such as by sitting, squatting, or lying with bent legs. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, and can affect patient mobility and quality of life. The incidence of LSS in the United States is approximately 10% of the population. LSS is mainly related to degenerative changes, and it is estimated that approximately 400,000 Americans, most aged 60 years or older, are afflicted. First-line treatment for symptomatic LSS includes conservative treatments such as rest, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, corset use, physical therapy, and epidural steroid injections. If symptoms do not respond adequately to conservative treatments, open surgical treatments such as laminectomy or spinal fusion may be required, which can have serious complications and can be particularly risky for elderly patients.

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 2014

URL for published report: The report may be purchased from: http://www.hayesinc.com/hayes/crd/?crd=4326

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: United States

Organisation Name: HAYES, Inc.

Contact Address: 157 S. Broad Street, Suite 200, Lansdale, PA 19446, USA. Tel: 215 855 0615; Fax: 215 855 5218

Contact Name: saleinfo@hayesinc.com

Contact Email: saleinfo@hayesinc.com

Copyright: 2014 Winifred S. Hayes, Inc