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Lateral stenosis of the spine: treatment, surgery, folk remedies

Strong lumbar pain, weakness in legs, loss of sensitivity – that is lateral stenosis of the spine. RISK of development is 1 case per 5 million people. But statistics is not a reason to hope for a "maybe" and ignore the obvious signs of the disease. Progress lateral stenosis is deadly and only the timely diagnosis gives a chance for the preservation of disability.

Pozvonochnyj lateralnyj stenoz - chto eto takoe?

What is it?

Lateral stenosis — a kind of spinal stenosis. Normal channel width of 5 mm, the deviation from this value even at 1 mm indicates a serious pathology. When the lateral type of the disease of the Central spinal canal is reduced in the projection from the side.

To better understand what was going on, it is necessary to remember the structure of the column of the spine. It is made up of individual vertebrae that are fastened to the ligamentous apparatus. Each vertebra has a rounded hole. In the spaces between the vertebrae are the elastic intervertebral discs.

The vertebrae are so closely adjacent each other that form a cavity that contains the spinal cord. It is separated from the surface of the spine of a thin layer of fat. The resulting brain channel restricted to the vertebral arches.

Spinal stenosis presented lateral type, causes compression of the spinal cord and its supplying blood vessels. The progress of the disease often leads to disability, disability. The vast majority of cases, stenosis in the elderly, in whom age-related changes of the spine provoked the development of the disease.

The causes of the disease

Lateral stenosis is rarely seen immediately: the infection usually occurs on the background of existing conditions and develops gradually. The exception is the congenital form or injury. The purchase of a stenosis can be caused by the following diseases:

  • Deforming spondiloarthrosis, often called Bechterew's disease, inflammation of the tissues of the spine due to calcification;
  • Degenerative processes of the spine caused by age-related changes;
  • Rheumatoid arthrit, which affects connective tissue;
  • Intervertebral hernia – protrusion of cartilage discs in the spinal canal;
  • Spondylitis – inflammation of the spinal column;
  • Cancer.

A congenital form of the disease stems from abnormalities of the formation of the fetal skeleton, then the list of reasons is much less:

  • Violation of size of vertebral arcs;
  • The distortion of the shape of the vertebrae;
  • Too thin of intervertebral disk.

Factor leading to lateral stenosis, there are surgical interventions, okolopochecnuu affected area and leave scars. Presence in the anamnesis of the patient one or more of the above prerequisites will automatically make it to the group to the risk of stenosis.

Signs of stenosis

Lateral spinal stenosis has different symptoms. Initially, the patients reported slight pain, but as the exacerbation of disease manifestations become more pronounced.

There are 4 degree of development of lateral stenosis:

  • The early stage is characterized by weak aching lower back, buttocks, legs. The sensations are similar to muscle pain that occurs after physical exertion. Therefore, many regard the sickness as a result of overwork. Perhaps the appearance of light of intermittent claudication: walking periodically appears pain;
  • In the second stage, the lameness increases, causing noticeable discomfort, but the patient is able to move independently. Impaired sensitivity of the legs, frequent bouts of numbness. Most commonly seeking help to the doctor to happen at this time.
  • Lameness becomes permanent and highly severe. Strong pain is present constantly. The patient is often forced to stay in bed, because she can't walk without support.
  • The fourth stage – the disability, loss of ability of movement. The pain becomes unbearable, their relief require the use of hard drugs.

Physicians formed a list of signs indicating active development of lateral stenosis:

  • Squeezing breaks down the functioning of tissue bordering the spinal canal;
  • Pinched nerves and blood vessels provokes a slight swelling in the affected area;
  • The deterioration of blood flow changes the efficiency of the internal organs;
  • Occurs oxygen starvation of the brain – hypoxia.

Pathological changes in the body,caused by lateral stenosis, can lead to death. Taken the treatment should be competent and timely.

kak proyavlyaetsya pozvonochnyj lateralnyj stenoz

Operation

Completely cure spinal lateral stenosis is impossible, conservative treatment only slows the progression of the disease and relieves symptoms. Normally the threat of surgical intervention – a matter of time. Traditional treatment involves taking pain, cardiovascular and anti-inflammatory drugs. The complex chosen by the treating neurosurgeon based on the General picture of the disease.

Temporary relief after a course of medicine will take place soon, the symptoms will return and then the operation is inevitable. Surgical treatment includes several types:

  • Decompression laminectomy: the elimination of the compression in the result of excision of part of the vertebra. Resection is rear access. The positive effect is achieved in 68% of cases, 28% of the operations cause instability of the spine;
  • Stabilizing operations: consolidate the results of laminectomy, the structure of the spine is rectified by the installation of support structures. The introduction of the implant requires a high professional level of the crews operating physicians.

Recovery will take several months and must be under the guidance of a doctor-physiotherapist. Medical advice during this period will be aimed at strengthening the spinal column, it is necessary to get rid of the pain.

In the first weeks after the operation, the necessary fixation of the spine with a special corset. Shown heat treatments, the reinforcing effect of drugs, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, massage. Completes the rehabilitation course of physical therapy.