What is Canal Stenosis?
The spine is a structure consisting of bones that are the support system of our body. The canal formed by these bones is called “spinal canal” or “spinal canal”.
Spinal stenosis is a condition where the nerves in the spinal cord are compressed as a result of the narrowing of this canal. This narrowing may sometimes be congenital or may develop with age. Depending on the severity and location of the narrowing, it may cause pain, tingling, numbness and even limitation of movement in the waist, back, neck, arms and legs.
Spinal stenosis in young people is more often associated with congenital structural problems. However, this situation occurs in the elderly; It may develop as a result of long periods of inactivity, excess weight, chronic diseases, spinal deformities, a herniated disc or progression of conditions such as arthritis. Other risk factors include smoking, genetic predisposition and chronic trauma.
Spinal stenosis is more common in men than in women. The risk increases especially in individuals over the age of 50. However, it is possible to encounter this condition in young people due to some genetic disorders or trauma.
When diagnosed early, relief and symptoms can be controlled with treatment options. Therefore, it is recommended to consult a specialist immediately when signs and symptoms are noticed.
What are the symptoms of canal stenosis?
Spinal stenosis does not present the same symptoms in every individual. Some people experience obvious symptoms, while others may experience no symptoms at all. Even if stenosis is detected in the canal in radiological tests, especially MRI (MRI) and Computed Tomography (CT) examinations, the individual may not feel any discomfort. However, it should not be forgotten that spinal stenosis is generally a slowly progressive condition and symptoms may increase or worsen over time. For this reason, early diagnosis and follow-up are very important.
What are the Risk Factors of Spinal Stenosis?
Some risk factors that may cause the development of spinal stenosis are listed below:
- Bone Overgrowths : Overgrowths in bones resulting from joint calcification can narrow the spinal canal. These outgrowths usually form in response to calcification.
- Disc Herniation : As we age, the intervertebral discs located between the vertebrae can lose water, causing the discs to protrude or herniate. This can cause narrowing of the spinal canal.
- Thickening Ligaments : Thickening of the ligaments that hold the vertebrae together over time can lead to narrowing of the spinal canal.
- Spinal Injuries : Injuries to the spine as a result of traffic accidents or other traumatic events may cause narrowing of the spinal canal.
- Spinal Tumors : Benign or malignant tumors occurring in the spinal cord or around the spinal canal can cause narrowing of the canal.
- Congenital Spinal Stenosis : Some people are born with a narrower spinal canal. The risk of spinal stenosis may increase in these people as they get older.
How Is Spinal Stenosis Diagnosed?
The following steps are taken to diagnose spinal stenosis:
- Physical Examination : Your doctor will perform a physical examination after listening to your signs and symptoms. During the examination, the location and severity of your pain and whether it changes with movement are evaluated.
- Neurological Evaluation : Neurological symptoms such as balance, walking style, reflexes and muscle strength are evaluated.
- Imaging Tests : Depending on your doctor’s recommendation, one or more imaging tests may be ordered. These may be x-rays, MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), CT (Computed Tomography) or myelography. These tests are used to detect the presence of any narrowing or other abnormalities in the spinal canal.
What are the Treatment Methods for Spinal Canal Narrowing?
Treatment of spinal canal stenosis may vary depending on the severity of the patient’s complaints, the location and cause of the stenosis. The treatment approach generally consists of the following stages:
- Exercises Applied at Home : In patients with mild complaints, some special exercises are recommended to relieve spinal canal narrowing. The purpose of these exercises is to relieve pressure on the spinal canal.
- Physical Therapy : Physical therapy is used to improve the patient’s spinal functions, reduce pain and increase mobility. An expert physiotherapist determines the exercises and practices appropriate to the patient’s needs.
- Medication : Anti-inflammatory medications, painkillers, and sometimes muscle relaxants can help reduce pain and inflammation.
- Interventional Pain Treatments : If complaints do not decrease, interventional treatment methods such as epidural steroid injections can be tried. This method is applied to reduce inflammation and relieve pressure on the spinal cord.
- Surgical Treatment : If there is no response to conservative treatment methods or if the patient’s condition worsens rapidly, surgical intervention may be decided. Surgery is performed to widen the narrowed spinal canal.
- Emergency Surgical Situations : If the patient develops neurological symptoms such as sudden loss of strength in the legs or problems with bladder or bowel control, this is considered an emergency and immediate surgical intervention may be required.
Since the treatment approach may be different for each patient, doctor’s advice is essential to determine the most appropriate treatment option.