Risks, what must not be done under any circumstances?
If the osteophytes, ligamentous flava and other constricting factors were removed during the spinal canal stenosis operation, the normal rhythm of movement can be achieved once the wound has healed. Therefore, a back-friendly movement pattern should be trained. If the spinal canal has been supplied by the removal of a vertebral body and its corresponding replacement, the spinal column must be fixed accordingly.
The movement into rotation is not possible solely because of the corset to be worn and will not be achieved in the further course of the treatment. Accordingly, no movements into rotation and lateral inclination are allowed. Likewise the corset should always be worn to prevent a deterioration of the fixation. Sport should only be done with the doctor’s permission and not any kind of sport should be performed.
- In the first 2 weeks lifting should be avoided
- From the 3rd week only up to 5kg can be lifted
- Bending far forward should also be avoided for the first time
- Jerky movements and straightening out of bed with a straight back can cause pain and slow down the healing process
Prognosis
A spinal canal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal due to: 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. In general, the prognosis after spinal canal stenosis surgery is very good. However, it is most important that a good physiotherapy with appropriate exercises for the wound healing phases is performed and that the patient adheres to his or her instructions.
Especially in the early phase, avoiding fast, jerky movements and excessive rotation is very harmful for a good healing process. Even in the long term, the patient should always perform exercises for good muscular stabilization to avoid deterioration. You will find extensive information on these topics in the articles:
- Changes in the spinal column due to osteophytes
- Hypertrophy of the Flava ligament
- Other diseases of the spine, which constrict the spinal canal
- Spinal canal stenosis
- Physiotherapy for nerve root compression in the lumbar spine
