Spinal stenosis
Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the lumbar or cervical spinal
canal. The narrowing can cause compression on nerve roots resulting
in pain or weakness of the legs. Medications or steroid injections
are often administered to reduce inflammation. If the pain is
persistent and does not respond to these conservative measures,
surgery is considered to relieve the pressure on the nerves.
Review Date: 7/10/2009
Reviewed By: C. Benjamin Ma, MD, Assistant Professor, Chief, Sports
Medicine and Shoulder Service, UCSF Dept. of Orthopaedic Surgery.
Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M.,
Inc.
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