Lateral recess syndrome: diagnosis and chiropractic management

The Lateral Recess Syndrome (LRS) represents stenosis of the lateral subarticular gutter that will often lead to nerve root compression. The most common etiology is hypertrophy of the superior articular facets, associated with lumbar instability and arthrosis of the posterior joint complex. The diagnosis may be made clinically with a routine lumbosacral x-ray series, but is not definitive without the use of CT scanning. Recent studies indicate that spinal manipulation can provide relief and should be considered before surgical referral is made for decompression.