Spinal stenosis

In spinal stenosis, there is a narrowing of the spinal canal. This narrowing (stenosis) puts pressure on the nerve(s) running through the spinal canal.

Symptoms

The narrowing can be congenital or caused by (age-related) wear and tear. A combination of the two is possible where the canal was already narrow and it narrows further due to wear and tear. You usually have back and leg pain (in one or both legs). These symptoms may increase while walking. In the legs you sometimes also experience loss of strength or a feeling of heaviness. At rest, the complaints usually diminish.

Diagnosis

When you show symptoms of spinal stenosis a CT scan or NMR scan (MRI) is usually performed.

Treatment

An attempt is always made first to control the trouble you are experiencing with anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving drugs and adequate rest in combination with physical therapy. If this does not bring sufficient improvement, you may be given injections of cortisone. This is usually done by epidural injection. This will temporarily decongest the affected nerve and reduce the pain. This treatment is sometimes needed two or three times.

If the pain remains after the above mentioned treatments, surgery is often required. This involves removing the stenosis from the spinal canal through a small incision. The pinched nerve regains more space by widening the narrowed spinal canal.

Decompression

Departments

Would you like more information or to make an appointment? If so, please visit the orthopaedics department.

Telephone 011 33 42 86