Back pain Test if it is the spinal canal

Chronic back pain - it's on the spinal canal?

18/12/2013

Narrowing in the spinal canal, among the most common diseases of the spine in old age. Through the canal, the spinal cord runs to the upper lumbar spine, then the nerve fibers that feed the legs continue in the spinal canal. If there is not enough space for the thick nerve cord, because vertebrae, discs, or ligaments have become wider than they should, nerves are squeezed together. This causes severe pain especially in the legs and back pain. However, many confuse this spinal stenosis with a disc problem.

Dr. Thomas Bierstedt, spinal surgeon and specialist in neurosurgery from the Orthopedic-Neurosurgical Center in Datteln and Recklinghausen, developed a questionnaire based on patient data, with which everyone can find out for themselves if he suffers from spinal stenosis. Please note that the test does not replace the doctor's visit.

1. How long have you already had severe leg pain, possibly accompanied by back pain?
Not at all or only a few days (0 points)
About half a year (1 point)
For many years (3 points)

2. Tighten the pain from the back, or even both legs?
In both legs (3 points)
In one leg (1 point)
In no leg (0 points)

3. Suffer from neurological deficits or sensory disturbances in the area of ​​the painful areas?
Yes, but very rare (1 point)
Yes, very often (3 points)
No (0 points)

4. Is it difficult for you to walk more than 200 meters at a time??
Yes, the pain is increasing (3 points)
Yes, my legs become numb and weak (3 points)
Yes, both answer a read also b are true (6 points)
No (0 points)

5. Improve your pain when doing cycling or other sports where the trunk is bent forward?
Yes (3 points)
No (0 points)

evaluation
0-1 points
Most likely you do not suffer from a spinal stenosis. However, if symptoms persist for more than ten days, seek medical attention.

Tip: Prevention is the best therapy: do not rest on the result! Do sports, exercise a lot and eat well.

2-8 points
They show the first symptoms that may suggest a spinal canal narrowing. It is best to consult a specialist in back problems so that he can carry out further tests.

Tip: It is not always necessary to undergo surgery, because often an aggravation and thus an operation can be postponed. Conservative therapies are: pain therapies, back exercises and physiotherapy.

from 9 points
Symptoms such as persistent strong back pain, paralysis and sensory disturbances indicate a severe narrowing in the spinal canal. Visit your back specialist immediately. If uncontrollable pain is present, important muscles are paralyzed or there is a disturbance in the bladder-rectal area, surgery is usually required.

Tip: Inform yourself thoroughly before the operation. Today, there are alternatives to stiffening surgery such as flexible spinal stabilization, which maintains freedom of movement. (Pm)