Narrow Canal at the Waist (Lumbar Stenosis)
Definition
A fairly common narrow-channel disease occurs when the structure of the discs, spinal joints and ligaments located between the vertebrae Decays over time. As we get older, the discs become stiffer, the bones and joints become thicker and wider. The spinal canal narrows with the growth of discs and facet joints. This channel, where the spinal cord and nerve roots are located that allow our legs to move and feel, narrows and crushes nerve structures, resulting in symptoms. This condition is called a narrow canal at the waist (lumbar stenosis
In this disease, also known as waist Decalcification among the people, complaints begin, especially with walking. Numbness, tingling, and pain complaints that begin in the legs and feet, as well as the fact that patients have to rest on the road, are among the most important symptoms of narrow-Dec disease. Especially in women with advanced age and weight problems, narrow channel disease, which is more common in women, if left untreated, can lead to damage such as difficulty walking, paralysis in patients.
Narrow channel disease can occur in three different parts of the spine, including the neck, waist, and back, and occurs as a result of aging of the spine. It usually occurs at an advanced age and is especially common in women with excess weight. In general, the symptoms of the disease in the lumbar region can be confused with a herniated disc. Patients with complaints of numbness, tingling and burning sensation, pain and weakness in the legs and feet should consult a doctor.
Findings
Low back pain is usually the initial complaint. Leg pains that have appeared recently are often added to the back pain that has been going on for many years. Lower back and leg pains often begin with walking and increase. Numbness, cramps, numbness and weakness in the legs are added to these pains. Symptoms usually increase after standing for a long time or walking.
The findings may decrease and increase and fluctuate over time, but they get worse and worse over time. This deterioration can happen over a very long period of time, or it can happen rapidly over many months. Due to the discomfort in the waist and legs, the walking distance becomes shorter and shorter. To pass the pain, the patient is forced to stand. Incontinence of urine and stool is rarely observed. The lumbar narrow canal may not always give signs. Some patients have severe stenosis of the lower back, but they do not have complaints. Sometimes it can also occur with very serious manifestations.
Diagnosis
The patient's complaint, the history of the disease and the examination are very important in terms of diagnosis.
On X-rays, narrowed December of the disc and enlarged facet joints can be seen. Distortions in the facet joints, distortions in the bones of the spine, shifts and scoliosis can be observed.
Lumbar tomography can give detailed information about the structures of the bones of the spine.
Magnetic resonance imaging Dec MRI) examination gives very detailed information about soft tissue such as cartilage, nerve tissue and ligaments connective tissue between vertebral structures.
All of these examinations provide information about the degree, level of stenosis and pressure on the nerve roots.