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What Causes Leg Weakness And Constipation While Having Lumbar Spinal Stenosis?
Question: My husband (56 yr. old) had a lumbar x-ray showing facet arthropathy at L4-5 and L5-S1. He is scheduled for an MRI on Wednesday. He has weak legs, stumbles up steps, imbalance and now is having problems with constipation. He became impacted, took a laxative and had a bowel movement, experienced loose stools and bowel leakage and this has continued. I'm concerned if he should wait til Wednesday for this MRI or go to the emergency room because he seems to be getting worse.
Brief Answer:
Lumbar canal stenosis. Not an emergency if it is of chronic presentation
Detailed Answer:
Hi there
Thanks for the query
Does he have urinary incontinence?
Any loss of sensation, tingling or numbness of the lower limbs?
Were these symptoms of sudden onset?
He could be having Lumbar canal stenosis which could be compressing the nerves travelling to his lower limbs and bowel.
This can give rise to the symptoms as you have mentioned.
I don't think it is an emergency yet and he can be managed at home provided he is cared for well. Avoid him walking around without adequate support.
He could use a wheelchair for ambulation at home.
Once the MRI Report shows findings that may require surgery to decompress the nerve canal then he can undergo the surgery and be relieved.
I hope I have answered your query.
I will be available to answer your follow up queries.
Regards,
Dr.Aashish Raghu
Lumbar canal stenosis. Not an emergency if it is of chronic presentation
Detailed Answer:
Hi there
Thanks for the query
Does he have urinary incontinence?
Any loss of sensation, tingling or numbness of the lower limbs?
Were these symptoms of sudden onset?
He could be having Lumbar canal stenosis which could be compressing the nerves travelling to his lower limbs and bowel.
This can give rise to the symptoms as you have mentioned.
I don't think it is an emergency yet and he can be managed at home provided he is cared for well. Avoid him walking around without adequate support.
He could use a wheelchair for ambulation at home.
Once the MRI Report shows findings that may require surgery to decompress the nerve canal then he can undergo the surgery and be relieved.
I hope I have answered your query.
I will be available to answer your follow up queries.
Regards,
Dr.Aashish Raghu
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Answered by
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