Spinal Canal Narrowing

Narrowing of the spinal canal is a disorder that occurs as a result of compression of the bones and tissues in the spine. The spinal canal is an area that protects and nourishes the nerve roots in the spine, and the narrowing of this area can put pressure on the nerves. Narrowing of the spinal canal can cause pain in the lumbar region, abdominal pain, skeletal deformation, muscle weakness and numbness, and limitation of movement. Treatment options include surgery, physical therapy, and pain medication.

In the article, the points regarding spinal canal narrowing will be explained with the following headings:

• What is spinal canal narrowing and how does it occur?
• What are the symptoms of spinal canal narrowing?
• How is the diagnosis of spinal canal narrowing made?
• What is the treatment of spinal canal narrowing?

What is Spinal Canal Narrowing and How Does It Occur?

The spine is a part of the skeletal system of the human body that extends from high to low between the neck, back, waist and hips. There are many bone fragments formed by the fusion of bones and joints in the spine, and these bones provide the body's posture and control movements. There is also a channel through which the nerves pass, and this channel protects and nourishes the nerves. Spinal canal narrowing occurs as a result of the compression of bones and tissues on the spine.

There are many factors that can cause spinal canal stenosis, but the most common are as follows:

• Aging: The bones and joints of the spine weaken over time and may wear out more slightly. This can cause narrowing of the spinal canal.
• Overweight and obesity: Being overweight puts extra strain on the spine and spinal joints, which can lead to narrowing of the spinal canal.
• Sports injuries: Extreme physical activities that strain the spine bones and joints can cause narrowing of the spinal canal.
• Genetic predisposition: The genetic makeup of some people may cause them to be more prone to narrowing of the spinal canal.
• Congenital spinal abnormalities: Some people are born with congenital spinal abnormalities and this can trigger the development of narrowing.

What are the Symptoms of Spinal Canal Narrowing?

Symptoms of spinal canal stenosis can vary from person to person and it is difficult to see all of these symptoms in a single person. But in general, it may present with symptoms such as:

• Low back pain: Spinal canal narrowing can cause pain in the lumbar region. This pain is usually felt in the back of the lower back and legs.
• Limitation of movement: Low back pain can restrict a person's movements and make it difficult to do regular activities.
• Muscle weakness and numbness: Spinal canal narrowing can put pressure on nerves, which can cause muscle weakness and numbness in the legs.
• Skeletal deformation: It may cause deformation of the spinal bones, which may disrupt the natural posture of the body.
• Abdominal pain: As a result of the increase in the severity of the pain, pain may be felt in the abdomen.

How is spinal canal narrowing diagnosed?

For the diagnosis of spinal canal stenosis, the doctor examines the person's lumbar region and spine and evaluates the signs and symptoms. Afterwards, the person can perform some of the following examinations. The first x-ray is an examination that takes images of the bones in the spine. Then, detailed images of the tissues in the spine are taken with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Computed tomography (CT), an examination that takes images of bones and tissues, is also used. Finally, the electrical activity of the muscles is measured by electromyography (EMG). This examination is important to evaluate the effect of disorders such as spinal canal narrowing on the muscles. If all these indicate spinal canal narrowing, the diagnosis is made.

What is Spinal Canal Narrowing Treatment?

Before creating a treatment plan, the level and severity of spinal canal narrowing is examined by the doctor. If surgical intervention is required, there are options to the surgery which include; spinal canal widening (laminotom and laminectomy), furnace bone removal (discectomy), spinal cartilage removal (foraminotome and foraminectomy). Surgical interventions are usually performed under anesthesia and recovery time may vary.

Spinal Canal Widening Procedure (Laminotome And Laminectomy)

It is the removal of a specific part of the spine. In this way, the spinal canal expands and allows the nerves to move freely.

Furnace Bone Removal (Discectomy)

It is the removal of parts of one of the spinal discs. This procedure is done to remove the pieces of furnace bone that are compressing the nerves.

Spinal cartilage removal procedure (foraminotom and foraminectomy)

It is the removal of a certain part of the spinal cartilage. In this way, tissue or bone fragments that prevent the passage of nerves through the spinal canal are removed and the nerves are allowed to move freely.