Stenosis means abnormal narrowing of a conduct in the body, it can be due to genetic causes or acquired. In general, that is what stenosis means and it can be not only the spine but also an artery or the intestines, etc.
Spinal stenosis occurs when the spaces between the vertebrae become narrower, putting pressure on the nerve roots in the spinal canal.
As we age, our bones and joints wear out gradually. The back, being the support of the body; suffers from this and discomfort can affect the quality of life, due to the difficulty it causes to carry out daily activities.
The symptoms are mainly pain or burning sensation, which increases when standing up or walking, but leaning forward gives some relief. The localization of pain if it is in the lower back, it is accompanied by numbness and tingling in the lower extremities. In the case of cervical stenosis, this numbness affects the arms, sometimes presenting weakness in one hand, arm or fingers.
Lumbar spinal stenosis is more common than cervical spinal stenosis. In other words, the lower back area is where this syndrome is more frequent, especially in elderly patients.
In spinal stenosis, when the nerves are compressed, not only the electrical impulse is hindered, but the vascular supply is also compromised, pain is the body’s reaction and the mobility of the extremities is affected as well.
When there is pain, it can be relieved with physical rehabilitation and other non-surgical treatments. Therefore, the patient can recover the quality of life. However, when this pain is disabling and the alternatives have been exhausted; surgery is indicated.
Surgical decompression is considered an option when accompanied by a surgical risk assessment, which reflects the general state of health of the patient, to confirm that surgery is indeed a good option, so that it can be a quick recovery and evolve favorably in the future.
It can be a partial decompression or a complete decompression, which is detailed in the surgical plan made from the evaluations and follow-up of each patient. The determining factors of the techniques and supplies for the surgery are based on the experience of the specialist, since all the bone structures and ligaments can be eliminated and this support can be given with the placement of screws and interbody cages. Surgery must be minimally invasive and offer the appropriate technique according to the previously analyzed radiological characteristics.
The results must refer a satisfactory result in the longest possible time after surgery. Because the nerves are imprisoned or mistreated, decompression could compromise them and therefore, like all nervous system surgeries, it is necessary to take the best measures to minimize any type of complications.
After surgery, a rehabilitation program with a physiotherapist will probably be included, so the evolution also seeks to be favored with a good specialist in physical rehabilitation.
The best way to prevent this condition is to maintain healthy lifestyle habits. Exercise half an hour a day and three times a week at least. If you start to have symptoms of back pain, it is better to go to a specialist to offer you the specific exercises that improve your condition and not hurt yourself.
Schedule your daily routines to do your physical activity gradually and in a balanced way, your progress should not be rushed, but remain constant. You can also use a cane or a walker to help you move safely and support your weight properly. Finally, eat a proper diet avoiding overweight.
