Spinal Canal Stenosis

The spine is made up of bone structures and the soft tissues between them, the discs. These bony structures protect the spinal cord and contain a canal through which the spinal cord extends. Narrowing of this canal is called spinal stenosis, or narrowing of the spinal canal.

Causes of Spinal Canal Stenosis (Lumbar Spinal Stenosis)

A narrowing of the canal in the lower back, lumbar spinal stenosis, can be caused by various causes:

  • Aging: With advanced age, natural changes occur in the structure of the spine, leading to wear and tear of the discs and articular cartilage.
  • Degenerative Disc Disease: The wear and tear of the discs over time can cause the space between the vertebrae to narrow.
  • Osteoarthritis: Wear of the articular cartilage and growth of bones (osteophyte formation) can lead to narrowing of the canal.
  • Trauma: Physical injuries, such as falls or accidents, can damage the spine and narrow the canal.
  • Congenital Anomalies: Some people may have narrower spinal canals due to congenital structural abnormalities.
  • Tumors: Tumors in or around the spine can cause the canal to narrow.
  • Rheumatic Diseases: Inflammatory diseases such as arthritis can cause thickening of the tissues around the spine, narrowing the canal.
  • Genetic Factors: People with a family history of narrowing of the spinal canal may be more likely to develop this condition.
  • Previous Spine Operations: People who have had herniated discs, slipped discs or similar surgeries may develop this condition due to deterioration of the anatomy of the spine.

Symptoms of Spinal Canal Stenosis (Lumbar Spinal Stenosis)

A narrowing of the canal in the lower back (lumbar spinal stenosis) can lead to various symptoms. Here are the most common symptoms:

  • Low back pain: Constant or intermittent pain, usually felt in the lower back.
    Numbness or Weakness in the Legs: Numbness, tingling or weakness, especially in the legs, feet or buttocks.
  • Pain when walking (Neurogenic Claudication): Pain in the legs or lower back after starting to walk, which subsides after resting.
  • Balance Problems: Loss of balance while walking or moving.
  • Stiffness in the back and legs: Stiffness when moving, especially in the morning or after sitting for a long time.
  • Urinary and Bowel Problems: In advanced cases, urinary incontinence or difficulty in bowel control.
  • Changes in Pain Depending on Position: Decreased pain when sitting or bending, increased pain when standing upright or standing.

Symptoms of Spinal Canal Stenosis (Lumbar Spinal Stenosis)

A narrowing of the canal in the lower back (lumbar spinal stenosis) can lead to various symptoms. Here are the most common symptoms:

  • Low back pain: Constant or intermittent pain, usually felt in the lower back.
  • Numbness or Weakness in the Legs: Numbness, tingling or weakness, especially in the legs, feet or buttocks.
  • Pain when walking (Neurogenic Claudication): Pain in the legs or lower back after starting to walk, which subsides after resting.
  • Balance Problems: Loss of balance while walking or moving.
  • Stiffness in the back and legs: Stiffness when moving, especially in the morning or after sitting for a long time.
  • Urinary and Bowel Problems: In advanced cases, urinary incontinence or difficulty in bowel control.
  • Changes in Pain Depending on Position: Decreased pain when sitting or bending, increased pain when standing upright or standing.

Things to Know About Spinal Canal Stenosis (Lumbar Spinal Stenosis) Surgery

In canal narrowing surgery, only a small window-shaped portion of the laminated part of the vertebrae in the narrowed canal area is removed with the help of a microscope to widen the inner chamber of the canal and provide relief. The operation is performed using special magnification devices (microscope) and fine surgical instruments. Microsurgery prevents damage to surrounding tissues and nerve roots. Compared to traditional methods, smaller incisions are made, which speeds up the healing process and reduces pain levels. The duration of surgery varies depending on the level of narrowing and whether an implant is used. If there is a single level of narrowing, the operation takes 45 minutes-1 hour. The patient is kept under observation in the hospital for 1 night after surgery and discharged the next day. After 1-2 weeks of rest, the patient is expected to return to normal life.

Operation Duration

Anesthesia

Hospitalization

Recovery Time

Return to Work

45 minutes-1 Hour

General or Epidural Anesthesia

1 Day

1-2  Weeks

7 Day