What is Lumbar Canal Stenosis?
Lumbar canal stenosis is the narrowing of the spinal canal in the lumbar region, resulting in compression of the nerves. Narrowing of the spinal canal can be caused by a variety of reasons and can negatively affect the quality of life of patients over time. In this article, we will examine the causes, symptoms and how it can be treated with prolotherapy.
Causes of Lumbar Canal Stenosis
The most common causes of narrowing of the lumbar canal include aging, wear and tear of the spine and calcification. Other causes include structural changes after surgical operations, trauma, fractures and inflammatory rheumatic diseases. In addition, calcification of the lumbar vertebrae, slipped vertebrae, lumbar flattening, spinal curvatures and hernias can also lead to narrowing of the lumbar canal.
Symptoms of Lumbar Canal Stenosis
Patients with lumbar canal stenosis usually do not feel low back pain. However, there are complaints of numbness in the legs, weakness, inability to stand upright, inability to stand for long periods of time and reduced walking distance. Numbness and tingling in the feet are also common symptoms. These symptoms can complicate patients’ activities of daily living and reduce their quality of life.
Treatment with Prolotherapy
Prolotherapy is an effective treatment for lumbar canal stenosis. This treatment method strengthens the lumbar vertebrae by reducing the calcification in the joints of the spine and allows the patient to carry the waist more comfortably. After prolotherapy treatment, patients are expected to have increased strength in the legs, increased walking distance, the ability to stand more upright, stand for longer periods of time, and reduced numbness and tingling in the feet.
Treatment Process
Prolotherapy treatment may vary from person to person. While some patients recover in a single session, some patients may experience complete recovery in 4-5 sessions. In advanced cases, it is aimed to increase the comfort of life. Prolozone therapy can be applied in patients with inflammatory rheumatism and a history of cancer in the last 5 years. In patients with narrowing of the lumbar canal and pressure on the nerve, it is aimed to reduce the hernias with patch treatment.
Treatment Protocol
The treatment protocol of the patients is created in the light of the examination of their tests, examination and complaints. However, pregnant and nursing mothers and patients undergoing active cancer treatment are not treated with prolotherapy.
Lumbar canal narrowing is a serious condition that negatively affects quality of life. Prolotherapy stands out as an effective method in the treatment of this condition. If you are experiencing symptoms of lumbar canal stenosis, you can get detailed information about prolotherapy by contacting a specialist. This treatment method can improve your quality of life and make your daily activities more comfortable.
It is important to consult a specialist physician for more information and treatment options for lumbar canal stenosis. Remember, you can improve your quality of life with early diagnosis and correct treatment.
Why Prolotherapy instead of Surgery?
1. Less Invasive
Surgeries are invasive procedures that involve making incisions in the body and usually require long recovery times. Prolotherapy, on the other hand, is a treatment with injections and does not require any surgical intervention in the body. This means less risk and discomfort for patients.
2. Shorter Recovery Time
The healing process of patients after surgical interventions can take weeks or even months. In prolotherapy treatment, the recovery period is much shorter. Patients can usually return to their normal activities within a few days.
3. Fewer Side Effects and Complications
Surgeries carry various risks such as infection, bleeding and nerve damage. Since prolotherapy is a minimally invasive method, the risk of side effects and complications is much lower. This ensures that patients experience fewer problems in the post-treatment period.
4. Promotes the Natural Healing Process
Prolotherapy activates the body’s own healing mechanisms. The injections increase the release of growth factors that speed up the body’s natural healing process. This allows the tissues to repair and strengthen themselves.
5. Less Pain
Surgical interventions usually bring post-operative pain and discomfort. Since prolotherapy is administered through injections, post-treatment pain is much less. Patients experience a more comfortable recovery process after treatment.
6. Targeted Treatment
Prolotherapy can be applied by focusing on a specific area. This ensures that the treatment focuses only on the problematic area and that other tissues are not damaged. In surgical interventions, it is more difficult to achieve this precision.
7. Alternative to Surgical Intervention
Some patients may not be suitable for conditions that require surgical intervention. Especially for those who are older or have certain health conditions, prolotherapy offers a safe and effective alternative.
8. Long Term Benefits
Prolotherapy provides long-term improvement by strengthening the joints in the spine. This prevents patients from experiencing the same problem again. Surgical interventions, on the other hand, may not completely solve the problem in some cases and may require reoperation.