It is the narrowing of the spinal canal. Spinal stenosis It puts pressure on the nerves. It is usually seen in the neck and waist area. Aging is the most common cause. Symptoms include pain, numbness and difficulty walking. Treatment varies according to the severity of the disease. Physical therapy, medication or surgery may be applied. Early diagnosis is important. It can affect the quality of life.
What are the symptoms of spinal stenosis?
It is most commonly seen in the lumbar and cervical regions. Narrowing in these areas can cause severe and constant pain. In neck narrowing, pain is felt in the head, neck and shoulders, while in lumbar narrowing, pain is felt around the hips and waist. Due to nerve compression, numbness, tingling and burning sensations occur especially in the legs. If there is narrowing in the cervical region, the same symptoms are felt in the arms. Spinal stenosis People with this condition may experience fatigue and weakness in their legs while walking. This condition is called neurogenic claudication. It is relieved by sitting or leaning forward. The narrowness that develops in the neck area can affect body balance. The risk of losing balance and falling increases especially in older ages.
In advanced cases, depending on the severity of nerve compression, urine or stool control may be lost. This situation requires urgent intervention. Compression of the nerves coming out of the spinal cord may cause muscle weakness in the relevant areas. For example, inability to lift the ankle, weakness in the fingers. Neck movements may be restricted in cervical stenosis. It may be difficult to turn the neck. It may also be accompanied by dizziness and headache. If you experience several of these symptoms, especially pain and numbness while walking, it is recommended that you consult a neurosurgeon. A diagnosis is made with the necessary examination and imaging methods and a treatment plan is created.
What Causes Spinal Stenosis?
As we age, the discs, joints and bones in the spine can wear out over time. This can cause the spinal canal to narrow. Enlargement of the facet joints and sagging of the discs are particularly common. The discs in the spine can slip or tear over time. This can cause more pressure in the spinal canal, causing nerve compression. Osteoarthritis in the spine can cause the joints to harden and grow. This can narrow the spinal canal and cause nerve compression.
In some people, the spinal canal is congenitally narrow, spinal stenosis It can cause cases to develop at an early age. Tumors that develop in the spine can also cause the canal to narrow. Tumors can take up space in the spinal canal and compress the nerves. Accidents, fractures or serious injuries to the spine can cause narrowing of the spinal canal. This can cause nerve compression and symptoms such as pain, numbness, weakness and difficulty walking. If in doubt, it is important to see a doctor.
What are the Treatment Methods for Spinal Stenosis?
Physical therapy helps strengthen muscles, increase flexibility, and support the spine. Regular exercise is important for improving posture and relieving pain. Painkillers, anti-inflammatory medications, and muscle relaxants are used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Epidural steroid injections may also be given to reduce nerve compression.
Being overweight can increase the severity of stenosis by increasing the pressure on the spine. Losing weight can reduce the load on the spine and improve symptoms. If other treatments are not sufficient and the pain continues to significantly affect the patient's quality of life, surgery is necessary.
Surgical methods may include procedures such as discectomy, laminectomy or fusion to widen the narrowed area in the spine or to stabilize the spine. Alternative treatment methods such as acupuncture, massage therapy and manual therapy help reduce pain and increase mobility. Orthopedic supports such as lumbar corsets can help stabilize the spine. They can relieve pain. The treatment process requires a personalized approach. For this reason spinal stenosis It is important for individuals to consult a doctor to determine the most appropriate treatment methods.
