Neurosurgery Dr. Stoforou

SPINAL COLUMN STENOSIS

Spinal column stenosis (spinal cord stenosis, spinal stenosis, vertebral stenosis).

 

Spinal column stenosis (spinal cord stenosis, spinal stenosis, vertebral stenosis) is observed when for some reason the spinal column or spinal cord is diminished and consequently pressure is exerted on the spinal cord or the nerves passing through it. The patient feels this pressure as pain, numbness, shortness of walking or weakness in the back, neck, shoulders or extremities.

 

Vertebral narrowing may result from injuries, tumors, and other illnesses. The most common cause of spinal column stenosis (spinal cord stenosis, spinal stenosis, vertebral stenosis), however, is degenerative changes in the spine, such as during aging or congenital causes.

 

Spinal column stenosis (spinal cord stenosis, spinal stenosis, vertebral stenosis) – Diagnosis.

 

For the diagnosis of vertebral stenosis, the following tests are usually recommended:

  • Radiography
  • Computed Tomography
  • Magnetic resonance
  • Electromyography

 

Spinal column stenosis (spinal cord stenosis, spinal stenosis, vertebral stenosis) – Tratment.

 

The adopted treatment method depends on the size of the stenosis and the discomfort experienced by the patient.

  • Drug administration
  • Physiotherapy
  • Surgical intervention – is usually recommended in severe cases where there is significant pressure on nervous structures with the above-mentioned symptoms and consequently with a deterioration in the quality of life of the patient due to severe walking and / or pain difficulties, with the risk of irreversible neurological deterioration of the patient.

 

Depending on the size and nature of the problem:

 

  • Laminectomy for decompression aiming at pressure on the spinal cord and the nerves
  • Laminoplasty or
  • Combination of laminectomy and fusion (disc – fusion, disc fusion).