Lumbar canal stenosis is a condition affecting the lumbar spine that is characterized by narrowing of the spinal canal and disc spaces in the lumbar region. This condition is often associated with chronic pain in the spine, lower limbs, muscle weakness and impaired sensory function. Lumbar canal stenosis is a common condition in people over the age of 50. In this article we will review the causes, symptoms and treatments for this condition.
The lumbar spine consists of five lumbar vertebrae, which are the largest vertebrae in the spine. The vertebrae are separated by intervertebral discs that act as shock absorbers and allow the vertebrae to move relative to each other. The vertebrae are also surrounded by a spinal canal which contains the spinal cord and nerve roots.
Lumbar canal stenosis occurs when the spinal canal narrows, which can cause compression of the spinal nerves. This compression can cause chronic pain, muscle weakness and impaired sensory function in the legs. Factors that contribute to spinal canal narrowing are varied, but the most common causes are degeneration of the intervertebral discs, herniated discs, thickening of the ligaments of the spine and osteophytes.
Lumbar canal stenosis can be caused by a variety of factors, including
Degeneration of the intervertebral discs: Over time, intervertebral discs can undergo natural wear and tear, causing a decrease in disc height and a reduction in the space available for the spinal cord and nerves.
Herniated discs: A herniated disc occurs when the gelatinous material inside the intervertebral disc pushes through a crack in the disc, compressing the spinal nerves.
Spinal ligament thickening: With age, the ligaments of the spine can thicken and become less elastic, causing nerve compression.
Osteophytes: Osteophytes are bony growths that form around the spinal canal. These growths can compress the spinal cord and nerve roots.
Tumors: Tumors of the spinal canal can compress the spinal cord and nerve roots.
Symptoms of lumbar canal stenosis can vary in intensity depending on the severity of the compression of the spinal nerves. Symptoms may include:
Chronic pain in the lumbar region: pain may radiate to the buttocks and thighs. Pain may worsen when walking or standing for long periods.
Numbness and muscle weakness: compressed nerves can lead to loss of sensation in the legs and feet, and muscle weakness.
Coordination problems: Lumbar canal stenosis can lead to coordination problems, difficulty walking and loss of balance.
Urinary or faecal incontinence: in severe cases, lumbar canal stenosis can lead to urinary or faecal incontinence.
Lumbar canal stenosis can have significant impacts on patients' quality of life. Chronic pain can limit physical and social activities, leading to loss of mobility and independence. In the most severe cases, lumbar canal stenosis can lead to permanent disability.
In France, lumbar spinal stenosis is a common condition among the elderly. According to a study conducted by the Assurance Maladie (France), hospitalizations for lumbar canal stenosis have increased by 77% between 2008 and 2018. The costs associated with the management of this condition are also high, with average hospitalization costs of more than €10,000 per patient.
The treatment of lumbar canal stenosis depends on the severity of symptoms and the cause of the spinal nerve compression. Treatment options include:
Pain management: analgesics, anti-inflammatories and muscle relaxants can help reduce pain.
Physiotherapy: muscle strengthening and stretching exercises can help improve posture and reduce compression of spinal nerves.
Epidural injections: corticosteroid injections can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
Surgery: in severe cases, surgery may be required to widen the spinal canal and release compression of the spinal nerves. Surgical options include laminectomy, laminoplasty and spinal fusion.
The DPA Med allows the reproduction of the pelvic gait amplitude, thus treating spine-related pathologies by mobilising the lower limbs and the trunk. This biomechanical reproduction induces several results allowing to treat and relieve stenosis of the lumbar canal. Indeed, some of the treatments mentioned above can be linked to the effects of using the DPA Med. In the field of pain management, a DPA session will allow osteoarticular and muscular relaxation, which will accompany or replace the use of a relaxant. Otherwise, a DPA session can support a physiotherapy treatment. When used actively, the sheathing exercises established will strengthen the deep muscle belt and thus prevent and relieve chronic pain. Otherwise, traction coupled with osteoarticular decompression will help to reduce spinal nerve decompression, a characteristic pain symptom of lumbar canal stenosis.
Lumbar canal stenosis is a common condition in the elderly. Symptoms include chronic pain, muscle weakness and impaired sensory function in the legs. In France, lumbar canal stenosis is a condition that has a significant impact on the healthcare system. According to data from the Assurance Maladie (France), hospitalizations for lumbar canal stenosis have increased significantly between 2008 and 2018. In 2018, approximately 17,000 patients were hospitalized for this condition, with an average hospitalization cost of more than €10,000 per patient. People aged over 75 are particularly affected, with a hospitalization rate five times higher than the general population.
It is important to note that lumbar spinal stenosis can have significant impacts on patients' quality of life. Chronic pain, muscle weakness and loss of mobility can lead to deterioration in general health, reduced independence and increased dependency. Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis is crucial to minimize the impact on patients' quality of life.
In summary, lumbar canal stenosis is a common condition in the elderly, with symptoms such as chronic pain and impaired sensory function in the legs. Treatments include pain management, physiotherapy, epidural injections and surgery. Prevention and early treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis are essential to minimize the impact on patients' quality of life and reduce the costs associated with its management in the health care system.