Lumbar spinal stenosis encompasses lumbar foraminal stenosis.
Depending on whether lumbar spinal stenosis is combined with or secondary to other diseases, it can be categorized as simple spinal stenosis, complex spinal stenosis, and spinal stenosis secondary to other lumbar spine pathologies. Simple spinal stenosis can be categorized into central canal stenosis, lateral recess stenosis, and intervertebral foraminal stenosis based on the location of the stenosis.
The spinal canal is a tubular structure composed of vertebral foramina containing the spinal cord, and the spinal nerve roots are located in the intervertebral foramina. Narrowing of the spinal canal or intervertebral stenosis can compress the spinal nerves traveling within it, triggering a range of symptoms.
Lumbar spinal stenosis is caused by hypertrophy and hyperplasia of the ligamentum flavum, hyperplasia and cohesion of the small joints, bulging and protruding intervertebral discs, and bony degeneration, resulting in the narrowing of the central lumbar spinal canal, neural radicular canal, or lateral crypt causing the compression of its contents – the cauda equina, and the nerve roots, and the corresponding neurological dysfunction. Patients may experience symptoms such as low back pain, lower limb pain, saddle area sensation and abnormal urinary and bowel function.
Lumbar intervertebral foraminal stenosis is there due to the reduction of the upper and lower cuts of the lumbar vertebral arch. Lateral herniation of the intervertebral disc and hyperplasia of the articular synovial joints are the main factors for the reduction. Patients will have long-term lumbosacral pain, leg pain, progressive weakness of both lower limbs, numbness as well as urinary and bowel disorders, hemiplegia and other symptoms.
In conclusion, lumbar spinal stenosis encompasses lumbar foraminal stenosis, and the symptoms of both are largely the same, but still different. If you are suffering from lumbar spinal stenosis or lumbar intervertebral stenosis, it is recommended that you visit a hospital promptly and follow your doctor’s instructions.