With aging, the discs between the vertebrae lose their properties and become deformed (lose their water and elasticity). This aging causes the disc height to decrease and the hardened disc to curve towards the spinal canal. Nerves coming out of the spinal cord enable our leg muscles to work and also provide sensation to our legs. With degeneration (wear and tear), the facet joints, bones and ligaments in the spine thicken and put pressure on the spinal cord. These changes cause the lumbar canal to narrow, and this condition is called lumbar stenosis (spinal stenosis).
Lumbar stenosis may not always cause complaints. However, pain or loss of sensation; pain, cramps, numbness, weakness in the legs; Complaints such as urinary incontinence may also occur. Complaints may increase due to sitting or standing for long periods of time. Even when people walk a very short distance, they may feel stinging in the hips, numbness and tingling in the feet. Existing complaints may come and go and continue with varying severity over time. Leaning forward or sitting will increase the diameter of the spinal canal, which may reduce or completely eliminate the pain.
WHAT ARE THE TREATMENT OPTIONS?
Surgery and non-surgical treatment for lumbar stenosis patients. It is recommended for patients whose pain and complaints cannot be relieved with these methods, who have progressive leg weakness or bladder and bowel control problems, and whose functions such as walking and movement are seriously damaged. At the same time, surgical treatment may be considered as an option in patients whose quality of life decreases and whose walking distance becomes significantly shorter. Spinal balance and alignment may also be impaired due to degenerate scoliosis, which frequently accompanies this group of patients. Therefore, during surgical planning, spinal alignment and balance should be corrected and the nerves should be relieved by loosening the channels through which the nerves exit. Age is not an obstacle for surgery in patients with suitable general health conditions.
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