Canal stenosis: causes and treatment

Canal stenosis is a pathology related to the spine, which can significantly affect the quality of life of patients. In many cases it can affect mobility and cause acute pain in the patient.

What is canal stenosis?

Spinal stenosis is a structural disorder of the spine that occurs when the spinal canal, the space through which the spinal cord and nerve roots pass, narrows normally. In many cases, this narrowing causes compression of the nervous elements, as well as pressure on the spinal cord and root, which can cause sensation of tingling and numbness.

Although it can occur along the entire spine, stenosis is most often located in the cervical and lumbar regions, areas where the compressive effects are most symptomatic.

Causes of canal stenosis

The causes of canal stenosis are very diverse, depending on the origin and evolution of the narrowing of the spinal canal. In some cases, it is due to a narrow spinal canal from birth, which is known as congenital stenosis.

However, in most cases, spinal canal stenosis develops in an acquired manner, generally as a consequence of degenerative processes associated with aging.

Among the most frequent causes are: structural changes in the elements surrounding the spineThese include ligament hypertrophy, facet joint enlargement, and the formation of bone spurs due to joint wear. These changes take up space within the canal and put pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots.

Another cause that can contribute to narrowing is herniated discs, by displacing part of the nucleus of the intervertebral disc into the canal. In less common cases, stenosis may be caused by tumors, bone diseases such as Paget's disease, or trauma that cause vertebral fractures or displacements.

There are also certain risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing this condition, such as a history of spinal injuries, previous surgeries, inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, or pathologies that affect bone density, such as osteoporosis.

Types of canal stenosis

In function of the location of narrowing of the spinal canal, two main types of canal stenosis can be distinguished. On the one hand, the cervical canal stenosis, which is located in the cervical vertebrae.

On the other hand, there is a difference lumbar canal stenosis. In this case, the narrowing of the cervical canal occurs in the area of the lumbar vertebrae, causing symptoms very similar to that of sciatica.

Degrees of spinal canal stenosis

The Meyerdinig classification It allows the level of obstruction in the canal to be quantified. This system consists of five degrees of stenosis, based on the percentage of space occupied within the canal:

• Grade I: occupation less than 25% of the vertebral canal.
• Grade II: between 25% and 50% the channel is busy.
• Grade III: The channel has an occupancy of 50% to 75%.
• Grade IV: between 75% and 99% the channel is compromised.
• Grade V: total occupation of the vertebral canal.

The degree of stenosis is determined by imaging studies, especially magnetic resonance imaging.

What are the symptoms of canal stenosis?

Depending on the location and characteristics of the patient's lesion, the symptoms they experience may vary. Although in some cases, symptoms are absent during the early stages, as the narrowing progresses, neurological signs commonly appear.

Among the most frequent symptoms of spinal canal stenosis are:

• Back pain, which may radiate to the arms or legs.
• Tingling or numbness, especially in the extremities.
• Muscle weakness, more evident when walking or exerting yourself.
• Difficulty walking or loss of balance, especially in cases of advanced stenosis.
• Heaviness or cramps in the legs when walking.
• Neck pain with possible radiation to the shoulders and arms, if the neck area is affected.
• Coordination problems, more common in cervical stenosis.
• Alterations in sphincter control, less frequent, but indicative of severe compression.

When these symptoms appear, it is essential to consult a specialist to obtain an accurate diagnosis and assess treatment options.

Diagnosis of canal stenosis

Once the patient goes to the specialist stating canal stenosis symptoms, an initial study will be carried out, in which those points in which the patient manifests the greatest pain will be observed. As well as, its response to nervous stimuli.

Secondly, diagnostic imaging tests will be necessary to help detect lesions or elements that may be causing the pathology. The most common tests are: X-ray and magnetic resonance imagingIn the most severe cases or those where the diagnosis is unclear, the patient may undergo a CT scan to expand the available information.

Treatment of canal stenosis

Once a complete diagnosis has been made, the specialist will prescribe the most appropriate treatment based on the results obtained. First of all, it is usually common to prescribe a anti-inflammatory treatment, which helps relieve pain.

Furthermore, the rehabilitation treatment prescribed by a physiotherapist professional usually offers good results, favoring the recovery of the patient's mobility.

In the most severe cases in which the patient does not experience improvement with conservative treatments, surgery may be considered. Depending on the element causing narrowing of the spinal canal, the procedure followed in surgery will vary.

Guidelines to prevent canal stenosis

In some cases, canal stenosis cannot be avoided, especially in those in which it appears as a side effect of another pathology. However, there are certain guidelines that can help prevent its appearance.

First of all, control body weight, since the higher the BMI, the greater the pressure on the vertebrae and the risk of developing a herniated disc, which, in turn, produces canal stenosis. Furthermore, they must avoid impact exercises, such as running or jumping on hard surfaces, as they put repeated pressure on the bones.

Lastly, it is recommended take care of postural hygieneThat is, avoid forced postures for the spine, as well as sudden movements.

Traumatology clinic in Madrid to treat spinal cord stenosis

As explained, spinal canal stenosis is a condition that must be treated promptly and appropriately to prevent chronicity and negative consequences for the patient's quality of life. For this reason, it is important to consult a specialist orthopedist as soon as the first symptoms are detected.

Dr. Prof. Elgeadi's team specializes in spinal pathologies, and is able to diagnose and treat injuries such as spinal stenosis in the best possible way.

If you have symptoms or suspect that you suffer from this pathology, do not hesitate to schedule an appointment with our team.