SPINAL STENOSIS

When the spinal canal, the bone passageway that the spinal cord and nerves pass through, narrows, it results in spinal canal stenosis. This narrowing may compress the spinal cord and nerves, resulting in pain, weakness, and trouble moving. Though it most frequently affects the cervical and lumbar spines in the neck.Treatment of spinal stenosis depends on the severity of symptoms.

Spinal canal stenosis can be caused by a number of reasons, such as:

● Age-related changes: Over time, degenerative changes in the spine, such as thickening ligaments and bone spurs, can cause the spinal canal to narrow.

● Herniated disc: The space inside the spinal canal may be invaded by a bulging or ruptured disc.

● Arthritis: Narrowing may be caused by degenerative joint disease in the spine.

● Spondylolisthesis: The spinal canal may be compressed by a slipping vertebra.

● Symptoms of spinal stenosis vary depending on the location and degree of compression. Typical indications could be:

● Depending on the affected area, legs or arms may hurt, feel numb, or be weak.

● Pain that gets worse as you move and becomes better when you rest (it could be hard to walk)

● Burning or tingling feeling

● Inability to maintain equilibrium or coordination

Diagnosis of spinal stenosis typically involves a physical examination and imaging tests, such as MRIs or X-rays, to assess the spinal canal and nerves. Occasionally, nerve conduction studies may be performed to evaluate nerve function.

The degree of symptoms determines how spinal canal stenosis should be treated. The initial line of defence is frequently conservative measures including physical therapy, pain medication, and anti-inflammatory drugs. Surgery to increase the amount of space in the spinal canal may be considered in extreme circumstances. There are two primary surgical options available:

● Laminectomy: To make more room for the nerves, a section of the lamina, or spinal bone, is removed.

● Osteotomy: To enlarge the spinal canal, the vertebrae are surgically realigned or altered.