Spinal canal stenosis

Spinal canal stenosis is a condition characterized by a narrowing of the spinal canal or cavity, which contains the spinal cord and can occur anywhere in the spine. Spinal canal stenosis in the lumbar region is the most common degenerative disorder of the spine in the elderly.

Spinal canal stenosis can be primary (congenital or acquired) or secondary (due to other diseases). Risk factors include obesity, smoking, daily habits such as an active lifestyle, but also genetic factors that are not yet fully elucidated.

Canal stenosis can affect different regions of the spine, from the occipito-cervical area to the lumbo-sacral area. There is a reduction in the space surrounding the spinal cord, which can cause compression of the spinal cord and nearby nerve tissue, such as the spinal nerves, causing pain and other symptoms that usually appear after the age of 50.

The most frequent symptoms are back pain, the pain may go down one or both legs, tingling and weakness in the legs, difficulty walking, instability, spasticity and pain in the arms and hands. It is usually exacerbated by standing, walking or lumbar extension, and relieved by forward bending and sitting.

Obesity, postural hygiene or repetitive impacts are some of the factors that may influence its development, so minimizing these factors may help to slow its development.

In patients with canal stenosis, analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs and physiotherapy are usually used initially. When pain control measures are not effective, surgical treatment to open the canal by laminectomy may be chosen.