What Are the Symptoms of Spinal Canal Stenosis?

Because the narrowing in the spinal canal puts pressure on the nerves, the following symptoms may occur:

• Back and neck pain
• Numbness, tingling, or a burning sensation in the legs
• Fatigue and loss of strength in the legs while walking
• Pain that eases when sitting and worsens with walking
• Bladder or bowel control problems (in advanced cases)

Since symptoms can worsen over time, early diagnosis is very important.

What Are the Treatment Methods?

The treatment for spinal canal stenosis is planned according to the severity of the disease:

• Medication: Pain relievers, muscle relaxants, and sometimes injections containing cortisone
• Physical Therapy: Special exercises aimed at strengthening the back and core muscles
• Surgical Intervention:
  • “Decompression” surgeries performed to relieve the canal
  • Stabilization of the spine with screw and plate systems, if necessary

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Emir Kaan İzci makes patient comfort a primary goal by using micro-techniques that cause minimal damage to the tissue in spinal stenosis surgery.

Surgery and Post-Op

• Surgery Duration: Average 1.5–3 hours
• Method: Minimally invasive procedures with a microscope or endoscopic system
• Recovery: A rest period at home begins after a 2-3 day hospital stay
• Physical Therapy: Muscle strength and balance are regained with post-operative supportive exercises

Exercises and Supportive Care

Some exercises recommended to be performed under a doctor’s supervision after spinal canal stenosis:

• Pulling the knees to the chest while lying on your back on a flat surface
• Light leg lift exercises while lying on your stomach
• Walking and stretching exercises on a balance mat
• Physical therapy protocols that strengthen hip and back muscles

Conclusion

Spinal canal stenosis can seriously affect quality of life, but it is possible to overcome this problem with the right diagnosis and treatment. While patients who do not require surgery can achieve successful results with physical therapy, in necessary cases, patients can return to their daily lives in a short time with modern surgical techniques.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Emir Kaan İzci has extensive experience in spinal canal stenosis and spine surgery. He serves his patients at Konya Başkent University Hospital with an approach based on modern technology and ethical medicine. Do not postpone your quality of life, take a step today for a healthy spine!