Narrow Canal (Lumbar Stenosis)

Narrow Canal (Lumbar Stenosis)

What is Narrow Canal (Lumbar Stenosis)?

As age progresses, the intervertebral discs between the vertebrae lose their spongy structure and begin to hold less water.

The spinal cord carries the nerves that supply sensation and strength to the legs. Arthritis (destruction of cartilage tissue) causes the bones and ligaments of the facet joints of the spine to thicken and put pressure on the spinal canal. These changes cause narrowing of the lumbar canal, which is called narrow lumbar canal (spinal stenosis). A narrow waist channel can be compared to a build-up of calcium in a garden hose over time. As lime reduces the diameter of the trunk over time, the narrow canal also reduces the diameter of the spinal canal.

 The lumbar spine is made up of connected bones called vertebrae. Bones surround the vertebral canal, which runs between the vertebrae through which the spinal cord passes. Other structures that limit the spinal canal are intervertebral discs, facet joints, and connective tissue between the vertebrae. This is called Narrow Canal (Lumbar Stenosis).

What are the Symptoms of Narrow Canal (Lumbar Stonez)?

 A narrow waist canal may not always cause discomfort to the person. But pain or loss of sensation in the back; Symptoms such as pain in the legs, cramps, numbness, weakness and urinary incontinence may also occur.

Symptoms may increase when you sit or stand for long periods of time. Existing complaints may come and go and persist with varying degrees of severity over time. Standing in a sitting position or bending forward can increase the diameter of the spinal canal and relieve or eliminate the pain. The most typical complaints of the patients are weakness, changes in sensation, numbness and tingling in the legs after walking a certain distance, and the legs can no longer take a step. In this case, the patient always looks for a place to hold on. By sitting down and leaning forward a little, the legs get stronger again and start walking again. However, after a certain distance, the symptoms reappear and the need to sit up again.

How Is Narrow Canal Diagnosed?

First of all, you should give detailed information about your symptoms in response to your doctor's questions. Narrow disc spaces or thickened facet joints can be seen on X-rays.

 Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides detailed information about narrow canal (lumbar stenosis) spinal cord compression. Computed tomography (CT) or lumbar myelogram can also be used to obtain detailed images.

 These studies can provide information about the presence, location and severity of narrow canal (lumbar stenosis), nerve root compression.