Learn about the symptoms, causes, self-check and treatment of spinal stenosis.
The ligaments and joints at the back of the spinal canal gradually
thicken and bone spurs grow, pressing on the canal and causing pain.
The lower back, buttocks and thighs gradually feel tight and numb,
and a bursting pain returns again and again when standing or walking.
It progresses slowly over a long period but can lead to paralysis,
so early treatment is important.
01
Pulling pain and numbness in the lower back, buttocks and thighs
02
Weakness throughout the legs, as if they were going numb
03
Pain gets worse when walking or moving
04
Pain gets worse when bending backward
05
Numbness and reduced sensation in the legs and feet
Key Symptoms
VS
Congenital stenosis: a spinal canal that is narrow from birth
Degeneration of the spinal canal due to weakening of the spinal muscles and ligaments
Secondary to other conditions such as spondylolysis or a herniated disc
Sudden physical impact, such as from an accident
Bending forward feels comfortable, but straightening up hurts.
When I walk for a long time my legs go numb or heavy, so I keep stopping to rest.
My buttocks ache intensely and my legs feel dull or numb.
Going down stairs strains my lower back and makes my legs feel tight.
The soles of my feet feel cold or numb, so it is hard to walk.
Back pain makes it take a long time to get up after lying or sitting.
The pain gets worse in bad or cold weather and eases when I keep warm.
Raising my leg while lying down does not increase the pain.
The condition is first suspected from the physical examination and plain X-rays. Because plain X-rays cannot clearly show the space around the discs,
an MRI is performed to confirm the diagnosis in patients with clear nerve symptoms.
To identify exactly which nerve level is causing the symptoms,
electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies may also be performed to check for neurological abnormalities.
TREATMENT
If the pain is not severe, the condition can improve with non-surgical treatment. However, if it interferes with daily life, for example if you cannot walk or straighten your back, surgery is needed.
Most stenosis is caused by degeneration, and sudden worsening of symptoms or loss of function is rare,
so conservative and non-surgical treatments are tried first, and surgery is considered depending on progress.
Step 1
In most cases, 2–3 weeks of non-surgical treatment such as medication and physical therapy brings improvement. If not, treatment moves on to injection therapy and manual therapy.
Step 2
Surgery is the last resort. Before considering surgery, we provide customized procedures based on each patient's condition and circumstances.
Step 3
Surgery may be considered for patients whose pain persists despite adequate treatment or who arrive in an emergency condition; the surgical approach and expected outcome are decided in consultation with a specialist.
In most cases, 2–3 weeks of non-surgical treatment such as medication, physical therapy and pain injections brings improvement.
If not, treatment moves on to injection therapy and manual therapy.
[Medication]
Anti-inflammatory painkillers and muscle relaxants relieve pain and make it easier to continue physical therapy.
[Physical Therapy]
Uses heat, air, light, electricity, ultrasound and other methods to restore function around the painful area and support rehabilitation.
[Manual Therapy]
A form of physical therapy performed by hand by a specially trained manual therapist, based on knowledge of human anatomy and physiology.
Surgery is the last resort. Before considering surgery,
we provide customized procedures based on each patient's condition and circumstances.
[Nerve Block]
Using a C-arm imaging device for guidance, medication is injected directly into the source of the pain to relieve inflammation caused by compression and treat the sensitized nerve.
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[Neuroplasty]
A special catheter about 1 mm thick is inserted to release nerve adhesions that cause pain. It removes unnecessary tissue grown around the spine or neck, or delivers medication to clear substances that cause inflammation.
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[Balloon Neuroplasty]
A thin special catheter fitted with a balloon is inserted into the narrowed foramen; the balloon is repeatedly inflated and deflated to widen the opening and ease adhesions around the nerve root.
[Balloon Kyphoplasty]
A procedure in which bone cement is injected into the fractured vertebra using a special needle or balloon. The cement hardens inside and stabilizes the fracture, so pain is relieved right after the procedure.
[Bio-Collagen Injection]
Collagen, an essential protein in the body, is supplied to damaged tissue to help it regenerate and recover. It encourages cell migration and improves cell survival, relieving pain.
Learn MoreSurgery may be considered for patients whose pain persists despite adequate treatment or who arrive in an emergency condition;
the surgical approach and expected outcome are decided in consultation with a specialist.
[Microscopic Laminectomy]
Surgery that removes part of the lamina at the back of the vertebra and then removes herniated disc fragments to relieve pressure on the nerve.
[Spinal Fusion]
Surgery that removes degenerated bone, ligament and protruding disc material and inserts an artificial bone graft that is safe for the body.
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