Please Keep This Site Free By Setting Up A Free Account With One of Our Sponsors Below

Dr. Paul Donohue: To Your Health

Dear Dr. Donohue: I am 84 years old, and I have spinal stenosis, which is causing me pain. I would like to know more about it. Will you furnish more information?

T.P.

Dear T.P.: Spinal stenosis is a common back problem of older people. It’s said that 20 percent of those older than 60 have it. The spinal cord is an offshoot of the brain, and it travels from the brain to the lower back. It’s about the width of your little finger and is extremely delicate. That’s why nature encased it in backbones — vertebrae. Running through the backbones is a tunnel, the spinal canal that serves to protect the cord.

Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the tunnel. It happens mostly in the neck and lower-back regions. Thickened ligaments surrounding the spinal cord or arthritic changes of the backbones impinge on the spinal cord or the nerves that spring from it.

When the process occurs in the back, pain is felt there and often in the buttocks or thighs. The pain worsens if a person stands for too long.

People can ease the pain by bending forward at the waist or by sitting down. Bending opens the tunnel to give the spinal cord some breathing room. The amount of bend that works is the amount of bend a person assumes when pushing a shopping cart.

Have you tried Tylenol (acetaminophen) for pain? It’s safe when used as directed on the label. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines such as ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen (Aleve) also are helpful. They can cause stomach upset and stomach bleeding, so follow directions given for their use.

Hot packs or cold packs might work. At night, lying on your side in bed with a pillow between your knees lessens pain. A program of physical therapy might help you turn the corner. Ask your doctor for a referral. A back surgeon will let you know if any surgical technique can bring you relief.

The booklet on back pain offers other advice for the many conditions causing back pain. Readers can obtain a copy by writing: Dr. Donohue — No. 303, Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6ᒛ. Enclose a check or money order (no cash) for $4.ȫ U.S./$6 Can. with the recipient’s printed name and address.

Write to Dr. Donohue at P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 328ȕ-6475.

Subscribe to Detroit News home delivery and receive a SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY OFFER.