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Lumbar stenosis and bowel issues
Recently diagnosed with lumbar stenosis and arthritis of the lower spine. Been having issues with loose stools. Anyone here experiencing the same? My doctor prescribed physical therapy. Does physical help the stenosis or my looking at surgery down the road?
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Yes, loose stools could be a reason of the lumbar problem, though depending on type of nutrition, in my case, i do get constipation occasionally. Nobetheles i got prescribed 2 DOCUSATE 100mg ea. small gelcaps to losen stool plus after results from a study, i was prescribed a syrup 2 tbps LACTULOSE SOL. 10mg/15 to help push out stool. That is if you know you went but still feel there is more but you can't push it out by yourself. So both meds are as needed and used for several days if necessary. Your body will show you.
These are facts...I don't know the specifics of your situation but I thought this might help. Lumbar stenosis (mild-moderate) Constipation Rarely Most common symptom is constipation
Lumbar stenosis (severe/cauda equina) Incontinence, loss of control Sometimes (emergency) Cauda equina syndrome is a medical emergency
Osteoarthritis (lower spine) Rarely affects bowel Unlikely No strong link to bowel dysfunction
Ankylosing spondylitis/Enteropathic arthritis Diarrhea (if IBD present) Yes (if IBD present) Inflammatory arthritis can be linked to IBD