Spinal Canal Stenosis

Spinal canal stenosis is narrowing of spinal canal/foramen causing compression of cord/cauda equina/nerve roots. Types: cervical, thoracic, lumbar (most common); congenital/acquired (degenerative). Clinical: neurogenic claudication (leg pain/numbness with walking, relieved by flexion/sitting), radiculopathy, myelopathy, bowel/bladder dysfunction. Diagnosis: MRI (gold standard), CT, X-ray. Treatment: conservative: PT (flexion-based core strengthening), NSAIDs, gabapentin/pregabalin, epidural steroid injections, activity modification, walking with flexion (uphill); surgical: laminectomy/decompression ± fusion for refractory claudication, neuro deficit, cauda equina; follow-up orthopedics/neurosurgery/neurology.

Common Symptoms

Neurogenic claudication; radicular pain; myelopathy; bowel/bladder changes

Causes and Pathogenesis

Disc/osteophyte/ligament/hypertrophy narrows canal causing neural compression.

Treatment

PT/NSAIDs/epidural; surgical decompression ± fusion

Preventive Measures

Core strengthening; posture; weight control; early diagnosis.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Orthopedics/Neurosurgery/Neurology department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.