Medical Encyclopedia
Lumbar spinal surgery - series: Indications
Lumbar (lower back) spine disease is usually caused by herniated intervertebral discs, abnormal growth of bony processes on the vertebral bodies (osteophytes), which compress spinal nerves, trauma, and narrowing (stenosis) of the spinal column around the spinal cord.
Symptoms of lumbar spine problems include:
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pain that extends (radiates) from the back to the buttocks or back of thigh
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pain that interferes with daily activities
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weakness of legs or feet
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numbness of legs, feet, or toes
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loss of bowel of bladder control
Update Date: 5/12/2008
Updated by: Thomas N. Joseph, MD, Private Practice specializing in Orthopaedics, subspecialty Foot and Ankle, Camden Bone & Joint, Camden, SC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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