Definition

      _cc781905-5cde-3194-bb3b3b-136bad  _cc781905-5cde-3194- ccde-3194cf13631365c5cf3b31994cbdc13653155cf -bb3b-136bad5cf58d_      The spinal fibres, which provide the spinal cord and the nerves, which support our body, support the spine. The spinal cord and nerve fibers start from the lower part of the head and end down in our coccyx in a canal called the spinal canal located in the middle of the vertebrae. There are discs between the vertebrae that act as a suspension for the power loads in our body and connect the vertebrae to each other.

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      _cc781905-5cde-3194-bb3b3b-136bad  _cc781905-5cde-3194- ccde-3194cf13631365c5cf3b31994cbdc13653155cf -bb3b-136bad5cf58d_      These discs are normally too soft in water content. As age progresses, the biological structure of these discs changes and they lose fluid. In this case, the load-bearing and suspension ability of the disc is reduced, they may harden and overflow from the place where they are located to the spinal canal, causing herniation and narrowing of the canal diameter.

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      _cc781905-5cde-3194-bb3b3b-136bad  _cc781905-5cde-3194- ccde-3194cf13631365c5cf3b31994cbdc13653155cf -bb3b-136bad5cf58d_      Also, sometimes the changes in the anatomy of the lateral vertebrae connecting the vertebrae, changes and causes the vertebrae to slide or rotate over each other. Often, this is accompanied by thickening of the ligaments between bone structures, and the spinal canal narrows both anteriorly, laterally, and posteriorly.

             

                 What are the symptoms

      _cc781905-5cde-3194-bb3b3b-136bad  _cc781905-5cde-3194- ccde-3194cf13631365c5cf3b31994cbdc13653155cf -bb3b-136bad5cf58d_      Dar channel may not always give symptoms. Symptoms and examination findings and radiological findings may not be compatible. While there may be no symptoms in cases with severe stenosis in MR examination, severe stenosis may not be present in MR examination in cases with severe signs and symptoms.

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      _cc781905-5cde-3194-bb3b3b-136bad  _cc781905-5cde-3194- ccde-3194cf13631365c5cf3b31994cbdc13653155cf -bb3b-136bad5cf58d_      Symptoms can be pain in the legs, often numbness in the legs, or numbness in the legs Rarely, there may be complaints of urinary and stool incontinence or inability to do so. However, the most important symptom is pain, numbness and weakness in the legs when walking and standing. The pain decreases or improves with sitting or standing. The patient's walking distance gradually decreases. Complaints may be continuous or in the form of periods. Walking while leaning forward alleviates complaints.

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                 How to Diagnose

      _cc781905-5cde-3194-bb3b3b-136bad  _cc781905-5cde-3194- ccde-3194cf13631365c5cf3b31994cbdc13653155cf -bb3b-136bad5cf58d_      The patient should be questioned and examined by the physician in the diagnosis. Radiological findings should support the diagnosis of the physician rather than the diagnosis. As mentioned before, there may be no signs or symptoms in cases with radiologically serious narrow canals.

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      _cc781905-5cde-3194-bb3b3b-136bad  _cc781905-5cde-3194- ccde-3194cf13631365c5cf3b31994cbdc13653155cf -bb3b-136bad5cf58d_      Magnetic resonance imaging and most commonly used diagnostic imaging methods are computed tomography. If necessary, electromyography (EMG) examination can also be performed. All these studies enable the severity of canal stenosis, nerve root compression, and the location of the stenosis to be determined.

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                 What are the Treatment Options?

      _cc781905-5cde-3194-bb3b3b-136bad  _cc781905-5cde-3194- ccde-3194cf13631365c5cf3b31994cbdc13653155cf -bb3b-136bad5cf58d_      Treatment is determined according to the results of the examinations and examination findings. In mild cases, drug therapy and recommendations are the first choice. Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory agents and muscle relaxants can be used as drugs. In pain-free periods, walking and exercises and sports recommended by the physician can be done. If medication is not used, physical therapy can also be tried. Physical therapy and exercise program are important in terms of strengthening the muscles. Aerobics, cycling, walking can be recommended. In addition, injections and blocks from the waist can be used to relieve pain. These injections can be made into the facet joints or around the nerves.

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      _cc781905-5cde-3194-bb3b3b-136bad  _cc781905-5cde-3194- ccde-3194cf13631365c5cf3b31994cbdc13653155cf -bb3b-136bad5cf58d_      These treatments reduce the effects of the disease or do not eliminate it, however. Narrow canal does not require urgent surgical treatment unless there is severe loss of strength and urinary-stool problems occur.

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      _cc781905-5cde-3194-bb3b3b-136bad  _cc781905-5cde-3194- ccde-3194cf13631365c5cf3b31994cbdc13653155cf -bb3b-136bad5cf58d_      Surgical treatment methods are the main purpose of removing pressure to the nerves and spinal cord. In addition, if there is a deterioration in the mechanics of the spine, this should also be treated. Lifting the posterior parts of the vertebrae (laminectomy) is one of the most preferred methods to relieve the pressure. In addition, if there is disc pressure (herniation), this should be treated. When the stability of the vertebrae is impaired, fixation of the vertebrae with screw-rod systems or other techniques, fusion between the vertebrae with bone or other materials, can be achieved with interventions that can be done from the front, side or back. With a technique that can also be performed in our hospital, one side of the waist can be opened in narrow canal cases and the pressure on the middle part and the opposite side can be removed, and this method is less invasive and more advantageous in the postoperative period than other methods. 

      _cc781905-5cde-3194-bb3b3b-136bad  _cc781905-5cde-3194- ccde-3194cf13631365c5cf3b31994cbdc13653155cf -bb3b-136bad5cf58d_ The hospital stay after surgery is 3-4 days. Depending on the type of surgery, the patient can fully regain his normal life after 3-6 weeks.