A spinal canal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal due to changes in the spinal column caused by The nerves of the extremities emerge from the spinal canal and are also irritated by the narrowing. This causes mainly radiating symptoms. Tingling, numbness in both legs distinguishes a slipped disc from spinal canal stenosis.
Severe pain in the area of the legs and back is also common. The load capacity is reduced. In most cases, symptoms improve when the spine is brought into a flexion because the spinal canal is pulled apart in this way.
Surgery expands the spinal canal and thus relieves the nerves.
- Osteophytes
- A hypertrophy of the Lig. flava
- Other diseases of the spine that constrict the spinal canal.
- Comprehensive information about the topic “Spinal canal stenosis” can be found in this article.
Risks – What must not be done under any circumstances?
What should not be done under any circumstances depends on the surgical technique. If the spinal column had to be stabilized, wide rotational movements should be avoided to prevent implant loosening. Immediately after the operation, the movement of the cervical spine should generally be started cautiously and after a few weeks the muscle improvement should begin.
The carrying of loads should be avoided. Some sports should also be avoided, such as tennis, squash, jogging and all team sports. However, because of exact risks, it is essential to consult the doctor.
Postoperative follow-up treatment
In case of spinal stenosis of the cervical spine, surgery is performed through a dorsal or ventral access. The osteophytes, ligamentous flava and other factors that constrict the spinal canal are removed. Postoperative follow-up treatments include
- Immediately after the operation, the patient is given a neck brace for 2 weeks in order not to endanger the still sensitive surgical area.
- In addition, the cervical spine should be moved as little as possible in the first weeks.
- Patients usually stay in hospital for up to a week to document the progress of wound healing.
- The first physiotherapy begins directly at the patient’s bed.
At the beginning the vital function is checked and on the first day a pneumonia and thrombosis prophylaxis is carried out.
- In order to prevent pneumonia (the most common risk in the elderly), the therapist performs a respiratory therapy in which he instructs the patient to self-therapy. Thrombosis prophylaxis is also advisable.
- The patient moves his legs and feet under guidance, as well as his arms and hands as far as possible without getting movement in the cervical spine.
- In addition, the calf pump is explained to him, with which he moves his feet up and down to achieve improved blood circulation. He should also do this more often during the day.
- The patient should also be informed about his behavioral patterns in everyday life.
- Strong rotational movements, bending and stretching movements and carrying loads should be avoided at the beginning.
- From the 2nd day the patient is allowed to stand up again and is mobilized into a standing position under the supervision of the therapist. From that moment on, the patient is allowed to move freely without causing any movement in the cervical spine.
