Spinal canal stenosis

1. What is the spinal canal?

The spinal canal or spinal canal is the space inside the spine that surrounds the spinal cord or spinal nerves. The spinal cord or spinal nerves are a kind of “cable” that transmits signals between the brain and the body. This is how muscles are controlled or touch is perceived

2. What is spinal canal stenosis?

This space narrows in the case of spinal canal stenosis. This narrowing can lead to the nerve roots being compressed (squeezed).

3. Causes

The main causes of spinal canal stenosis are signs of wear and tear on the intervertebral discs, facet joints and thickening of ligaments.

4. Symptoms

The most common symptoms of spinal stenosis are leg pain, numbness or weakness. These symptoms worsen when walking and improve when sitting or bending forward. The walking distance is often shortened. Patients often have to sit down after a few meters.

5. Diagnosis

The diagnosis is made by a combination of physical examination and imaging such as MRI.

6. Treatment options

Treatment depends on the severity of the symptoms. In mild cases, physical therapy, painkillers or injections into the spinal canal can help. In more advanced cases, surgery may be necessary to relieve the pressure on the nerves. This surgery can very often be performed endoscopically, avoiding the need for implants.

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