LSS Explanation

• Lumbar Spinal Stenosis pt1:

  • a degenerative condition
  • progression of spondylosis / OA
  • diminished space available for the neural and vascular elements in the lumbar spine secondary to degenerative changes in the spinal canal
  • can cause radiating pain (more common during walking or standing for a long time) to the buttocks, thigh or legs, and radiculopathy (bilateral)
  • pain reduces when pts are in resting positions, sitting down or bending forwards when the spine is in forward flexion
  • related to aging, affecting mostly individuals over the age of 60 years
• Lumbar Spinal Stenosis pt2:

  • presents in elderly, presenting with pain, disability, fall risk, and depression
  • stenosis is due to the degenerative changes (ligamentum flavum, disc intervertebral, and facet joints)
  • spinal stenosis refers to the symptoms of pain and other referred symptoms that could possibly be neurological and not to the narrowing itself
  • LSS is a significant cause of disability in the elderly and is the most common cause of spinal surgery in pts over the age of 65