What is Lumbar Canal Stenosis?
Lumbar canal stenosis is a condition in which the spinal canal in the lower back becomes narrowed, putting pressure on the nerves that travel through it. This can lead to pain, numbness, and weakness in the legs and feet.
The spinal canal is a hollow space that runs through the center of the spine and contains the spinal cord. It is surrounded and protected by the vertebrae, which are the bones that make up the spine. The spinal cord is responsible for sending signals from the brain to the rest of the body and vice versa.
Symptoms of Lumbar Canal Stenosis:
The symptoms of lumbar canal stenosis can vary depending on the severity of the narrowing and which nerves are affected. Some common symptoms include:
- Neurogenic Claudication: This is a term used to describe pain, numbness, or weakness in the legs that occurs when walking or standing for a period of time. The symptoms may improve when sitting or bending forward.
- Tingling or “pins and needles” sensation in the legs or feet.
- Loss of bladder or bowel control (in severe cases). This is a rare symptom, but it can occur if the nerves that control these functions are compressed in the spinal canal.
In the event that you encounter any of these indications, it is crucial to promptly seek medical assistance. Dr. Rajesh Verma, the best spine surgeon in Gurgaon and Delhi NCR is available for appointments and will assist in identifying the underlying cause and administering suitable treatment.
Causes of Lumbar Canal Stenosis
In lumbar canal stenosis, the narrowing of the spinal canal can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Aging: As people get older, the spine can naturally degenerate and develop conditions such as arthritis, which can cause the spinal canal to narrow.
- Bone overgrowth: In some cases, the body may produce extra bone in response to wear and tear on the spine, which can lead to narrowing of the spinal canal. This is known as bone spurs.
- Herniated discs: The discs between the vertebrae act as shock absorbers for the spine. If one of these discs becomes damaged or slips out of place, it can put pressure on the spinal cord and cause narrowing of the canal.
- Tumors: Abnormal growths in or near the spinal canal can also cause narrowing and put pressure on the nerves.
- Spinal injuries: Injuries to the spine, such as fractures or dislocations, can also cause narrowing of the spinal canal.
Diagnosis:
If you are experiencing symptoms of lumbar canal stenosis, your doctor will likely perform a physical exam and ask about your medical history. They may also order imaging tests, such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRI scans, to get a better look at the spine and determine the cause of the narrowing. Treatment for lumbar canal stenosis may include:
Conservative Treatments:
Non-surgical options: Mild cases of lumbar canal stenosis can often be managed with conservative treatments such as physical therapy, Lumbar spinal stenosis medication, and steroid injections. These can help to reduce pain and improve mobility. Your doctor may also recommend lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding activities that exacerbate your symptoms. Using a cane or walker may also provide support and relieve pressure on the spine. In more serious instances, Lumbar Canal Stenosis surgery may be necessary to address.
Lumbar spinal stenosis physical exercise:
In addition to medical treatment, certain exercises may help to improve symptoms of lumbar canal stenosis. These exercises focus on strengthening the muscles that support the spine and improving flexibility. Here are some examples of exercises that may be recommended:
Pelvic tilt:
Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Tighten your abdominal muscles and press your lower back into the floor. Hold for 5 seconds, then relax. Repeat 10 times
Knee-to-chest stretch:
Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Bring one knee up towards your chest, holding onto it with both hands. Hold for 10 seconds, then switch legs.
Lumbar extension exercises:
Lie on your stomach with your hands under your shoulders. Slowly lift your upper body off the floor, keeping your hips and legs on the ground. Hold for 5 seconds, then lower back down. Repeat 10 times.
Wall squats:
Stand with your back against a wall and feet shoulder-width apart. Slowly slide down the wall until your knees are bent at a 90-degree angle. Hold for 5 seconds, then push back up to standing. Repeat 10 times.
Surgical Treatments:
- Decompression surgery: This type of surgery involves removing the bone and tissue that is pressing on the nerves in the spinal canal. This can be done through a minimally invasive procedure or through open surgery. Decompression surgery can provide relief from symptoms and improve mobility. However, it does carry risks such as infection, bleeding, and nerve damage.
- Spinal fusion: In some cases, lumbar canal stenosis may be caused by instability in the spine. This can be treated with spinal fusion surgery, which involves fusing two or more vertebrae together to stabilize the spine. This can also help to relieve pressure on the nerves and improve symptoms. Spinal fusion surgery may be recommended in addition to decompression surgery or as a standalone procedure. It also carries risks and is not suitable for everyone.
- Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery: In recent years, minimally invasive spine surgery has become a popular option for treating lumbar canal stenosis. This type of surgery involves making small incisions and using specialized tools to access and treat the affected area. Minimally invasive surgery can result in less scarring, less pain, and a quicker recovery time compared to traditional open surgery.
- Endoscopic Spine surgery: Endoscopic spine surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a small camera and specialized instruments to access and treat the affected area. This type of surgery can be used to remove tissue or bone that is pressing on the nerves, without the need for a larger incision. It offers similar benefits to other minimally invasive procedures and may be a suitable option for some patients with lumbar canal stenosis.
- Scoliosis Surgery: In rare cases, lumbar canal stenosis may be caused by scoliosis, a condition in which the spine curves abnormally. Scoliosis surgery may be recommended to correct the curvature of the spine and relieve pressure on the nerves.
- Cervical Spine Surgery: In some cases, lumbar canal stenosis may also occur in the cervical spine (neck). Cervical spine surgery may be recommended to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and nerves in the neck. This type of surgery carries similar risks to lumbar spine surgery.
- Revision Spine Surgery: In some cases, previous spinal surgeries may not have been successful in treating lumbar canal stenosis. In these cases, revision surgery may be recommended to address any remaining issues and improve symptoms.
