Patient service

Spinal stenosis/ vertebral canal-
Narrowing

Often, patients can be helped without major surgery!

Understanding and treating spinal stenosis/narrowing of the spinal canal

The spine, a complex marvel of the human body, consists of a series of vertebrae that provide stability, enable movement, and protect the delicate spinal cord. Between these vertebrae lie the intervertebral discs, whose gelatinous core and strong outer ring cushion the spine and ensure flexibility.

Originating from the spinal cord, nerves travel through special openings in the vertebrae to various parts of the body. Some of these nerves form the sciatic nerve, which runs down the back of the leg to the foot. But what happens when this finely tuned structure is disrupted?

How does spinal stenosis develop?

With age or illness, intervertebral discs can lose fluid, leading to a reduction in their height. This reduces the space between the vertebrae, narrowing the openings for the nerves. As a result, shocks are no longer effectively absorbed by the discs, especially during activities such as walking, running, or jumping.

Wear and tear, poor posture, and careless movements can further weaken the intervertebral discs and joint surfaces. This leads to disc degeneration, which not only causes back pain but can also lead to functional disorders such as tingling, numbness in the leg or buttocks, and gait problems.

These degenerative processes can lead to spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal canal through which the nerves run. The narrowing results from a combination of altered intervertebral discs, bone structures, and ligaments. The challenge in treatment lies in identifying which components require which specific treatments.

Treatment of spinal stenosis

Often, patients can be helped without major surgery. Minimally invasive procedures, such as catheter-based treatment, multi-catheter therapy, nocoplasty, or autologous blood therapy, offer options. In catheter-based treatment, the spinal canal is widened and medication is injected. Nocoplasty aims to reduce the volume of the pressing disc fragments through laser or radiofrequency treatment, thereby relieving pressure on the nerves. Autologous blood therapy promotes disc regeneration.

A common symptom reported by patients with spinal stenosis is the inability to walk for extended periods, while cycling is often possible without difficulty. This points to the specific stresses that act on the spinal canal during different activities.

As a neurosurgeon, my goal is to help you lead a more pain-free and mobile life through individually tailored treatment methods.

CONTACT

If you would like more information about our practice or a free consultation, please contact us!

We look forward to your inquiry!

You can also book an appointment online:

SPINE CENTER
MUNICH EAST
MUNICH STREET 14
85540 Munich Haar

Tel: +49 89 420 45 017

info@wz-muenchenost.de

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