When stenosis occurs in the waist, it is often confused with a herniated disc. Increasing average age and not paying enough attention to exercise make this condition more common. It is generally seen after the age of 50. This disease, which develops slowly, can also be seen in young individuals due to different reasons.
Causes of Lumbar Stenosis
The factors that cause its formation vary. Individuals with congenitally narrow canals have to deal with the problems caused by this situation as they get older. As individuals get older, the discs between the vertebrae shrink, causing bone protrusions to appear and the canal to narrow. This condition, known as degeneration, occurs with aging. Later vertebrae slipping over each other can also be a congenital problem. When the vertebrae slide over each other, the balance of the spine is disrupted and narrowing occurs in the canal. Another factor that causes narrowing of the spinal canal is caused by large lumbar herniations.
Symptoms of Narrow Canal in the Waist
Those with this disease generally complain of pain in the hips and legs while walking, standing or sitting. They do. There is no need to necessarily experience back pain. It has been observed that the road walking distance decreases day by day. Sitting upright causes great distress for those suffering from this disease, and it becomes easier to lean forward, especially while walking. As the disease progresses, cramps occur in the legs even when walking short distances, and in the final stage, urinary incontinence may occur.
Diagnosis of Lumbar Stenosis
The methods used to make the diagnosis are as follows; These are blood tests performed in addition to magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography and nerve conduction studies. Magnetic resonance is usually sufficient to make the diagnosis. X-rays are not used in this imaging process, and it can be seen whether the spinal cord and nerves are under pressure. Bone structures can be examined with computed tomography.
Lower Stenosis Treatment
Treatments vary depending on the disease and the patient's condition. There are surgical interventions as well as non-surgical interventions. ur. In non-surgical interventions, stretching exercises are performed with special devices to strengthen the lower back muscles. The purpose of strengthening the trunk muscles is to create a natural corset around the patient's waist. It is not considered appropriate to use a corset purchased from outside. In cases of advanced canal stenosis, injections can be made around the spinal cord membrane.
Lower Back Stenosis Surgery
With the microsurgery method, a small incision is made on the patient and the procedures are carried out in a healthier way. can be realized. In this way, patients can stand up and start performing their daily activities in a short period of time, such as 1 day. This procedure can be performed in older patients and people with serious diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart diseases.
With a completely closed method, the facet joints between the lumbar vertebrae are entered and opened, through which the nerves going to the leg pass. It is possible to eliminate canal stenosis.
After Lumbar Stenosis Surgery
After the surgery, patients can be discharged from the hospital within 1 day. Patients discharged home are required to rest for a week and do walking exercises shown by the physiotherapy department. Then, special exercise programs are applied to the patients to develop the trunk root muscles. Starting from the second week, patients become able to do all activities and can go out of the house.
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