The pathology demonstrates global degeneration changes at L5-S1 with degenerative disc disease, facet disease and central and foraminal canal narrowing. This canal narrowing is to be expected with degenerative changes. Think of the ligamentum flavum as floor to ceiling curtains in a house with the walls of the house as the height of the disc space. With degenerative changes, the disc flattens and the walls collapse.
The curtains would bunch inwards as the wall height shortens. This would crowd the “living space” of the house (the canal).
Standing and walking activities narrow the central canal and foramen. If the canal is narrow to begin with, this extra positional narrowing can create symptoms. However, these symptoms need to be differentiated from typical back pain from degenerative disc disease.
Foraminal stenosis normally causes buttocks and leg pain with walking and standing so your symptoms do not fit perfectly with that diagnosis.
Dr. Corenman
PLEASE REMEMBER, THIS FORUM IS MEANT TO PROVIDE GENERAL INFORMATION ON SPINE ANATOMY, CONDITIONS AND TREATMENTS. TO GET AN ACCURATE DIAGNOSIS, YOU MUST VISIT A QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL IN PERSON.
Donald Corenman, MD, DC is a highly-regarded spine surgeon, considered an expert in the area of neck and back pain. Trained as both a Medical Doctor and Doctor of Chiropractic, Dr. Corenman earned academic appointments as Clinical Assistant Professor and Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, and his research on spine surgery and rehabilitation has resulted in the publication of multiple peer-reviewed articles and two books.
