Being born with a narrower than normal spinal canal does not force that person to suffer from spinal discomfort. However, when the canal space continues to progressively shrink until it compresses the internal structures, this is when the symptoms of canal stenosis inevitably originate.
Spinal stenosis or narrow canal syndrome is a disorder caused by the gradual structural narrowing of the spinal canal; duct that goes from the cervical region to the lumbo-sacral and through which the spinal cord and the rest of the nerve roots run.
Canal stenosis can appear due to multiple factors: degenerative, neoplastic, traumatic, among others. In consultation, the priority is to discover the triggering factor of compression in order to treat the symptoms in the most effective way. At COPAC we are experts and we are ready to help you!
The signs and symptoms of spinal stenosis can vary depending on the spinal region that is being affected. Symptoms usually develop progressively over time; However, they can also occur suddenly as a result of trauma.
Local pain in the back.
Cramping or tingling in the lower limbs.
Leg pain (heaviness) when walking or standing for a long time.
Local neck pain.
Rigidity.
Numbness.
Weakness in the arms, hands, legs, or feet.
Difficulty walking and staying balanced.
Canal stenosis can occur in any segment of the spine. However, it is more common for the reduction of the space surrounding the spinal cord to occur in the lumbar region or in the cervical region.
In most cases, it is the result of degenerative changes in the structures of the lower spine caused by the body’s natural aging. Generally, this type of stenosis occurs in people over 50 years of age.
In cervical spinal stenosis, narrowing of the spinal canal occurs within the first 7 vertebrae of the spine. This condition also usually derives from a process of degenerative wear and tear in older people such as: bulging discs, hypertrophy of the ligament fella, bone spurs, etc.
The doctor evaluates the patient’s symptoms in consultation by performing a detailed physical examination; He or she will also inquire about previous medical history. Sometimes, the specialist will recommend imaging tests (X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans) to accurately show the area of narrowing.
Treatment options vary according to the severity of symptoms that each individual patient displays. Initially, it is started with a plan based on conservative treatments, if this does not work over a few months, different surgical alternatives are evaluated.
Conservative treatments include:
Drugs for this class of condition must be prescribed by a specialist doctor, since both non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and antidepressants and anticonvulsants (in the most chronic cases) are involved.
The therapist will help you by performing specific routines to increase the strength and endurance of your spine, improve stability, flexibility and balance.
Epidural injections of steroid medications are very common to relieve back pain temporarily. This injection allows the area where the nerves are compressed to be deflated; However, you should evaluate with your doctor the side effects that these injections bring with them.
The aim of surgery is to surgically widen the spinal canal when initial treatments have not worked or when severe symptoms are experienced that have led to a loss of motor power.
Among the most frequent interventions we can mention:
Laminotomy:
A procedure in which a small portion of the posterior lamina of the affected lumbar or cervical vertebra is perforated and removed. The hole is made just above the point where the nerve compression exists to help release the pressure caused.
Laminectomy:
In this decompression surgery, the entire posterior lamina of the vertebra is removed to widen the spinal canal. Sometimes, the vertebrae need to be fused together to maintain the stability of the neck.
Lalipoplasty:
This operation applies only to the cervical vertebrae; In it, a limited portion of the back of the vertebral lamina is removed and replaced with a specially designed metal piece that gives the narrow spinal canal more room.
Each patient is unique, for this reason, at COPAC we handle particular rates for each one. If you want to know the cost of surgical or non-surgical treatments from our specialists, we invite you to get a personalized quote here.
The vertebrae of the spine are precisely stacked from the base of the skull to the coccyx; Each of them has a bony hole inside it through which the spinal cord passes, this path is known as the medullary canal.
The space of the spinal canal can be reduced by:
Bone spurs derived from a degenerative process such as arthritis.
Herniated discs.
Thickening of the vertebral ligaments (rigid ligaments).
Neoplasms (tumors).
Traumatic spinal injuries.
Generally, patients can stand up the day after surgery, medications to reduce pain will be maintained for 15 days or 1 month depending on their evolution. The doctor will give you some instructions on how you should sit, get up and walk so as not to force the operated vertebrae, remember to give your body enough time to rest so that it can heal completely.
If your work activity does not involve much effort, the doctor may authorize your return to work after 2 months. In the case of a spinal fusion, this time could be extended for about 3 or 4 months.
Complications that can result from surgery include:
Great medical advances also show great benefits in terms of the aesthetic outcome after surgery. Spinal canal operations occur posteriorly, so the scar will remain on the patient’s back. However, minimally invasive procedures and endoscopic surgeries that are almost imperceptible are now easily accessible.
Spinal canal stenosis surgery is usually mostly elective, but sometimes, some patients perceive an advanced development of the condition that causes the pain to become too intense and the motor strength of the limbs to be lost; This is when a surgical solution is needed quickly.
Decompression surgeries last approximately 1 to 2 hours; time that could increase according to the technique used and the number of vertebrae to be treated.
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