Definition, Diagnosis and Treatment of Central Canal Stenosis

The symptoms of central canal stenosis include stiffness, pain, numbness, muscle weakness, cramping in the neck or back. Some patients may not experience any symptom at all while in some symptoms may gradually worsen over time. 

Central canal stenosis refers to the narrowing of the central or spinal canal. This condition is also known as canal stenosis or spinal stenosis or central stenosis.

It can occur due to various spinal conditions that cause inflammation and enlargement of the spinal component. Most of these conditions occur as a result of natural aging process. Movement and gravity put continous pressure on the neck and back and stimulates bone to strengthen itself by depositing additional bone. Other factors leading to central canal stenosis are congenital spinal stenosis, environmental stress and spinal tumors. 

Diagnosis of  central canal stenosis

As there are many spinal conditions having similar symptoms, it is difficult to diagnose it accurately. Thorough medical examination and diagnostic testing is required to arrive at the conclusion. Diagnosis of central canal stenosis can be done through:

MRI
X-ray
CT scan
Going through patients complete medical history
Physical examination to test strength and reflexes
Blood tests
Bone scan

Treatment of  central canal stenosis

After the central canal stenosis is diagnosed accurately, your GP or back specialist will chalk out a proper treatment plan for each patient. In some cases, surgery may be prescribed. Minimally invasive technique is also available nowadays to conduct the procedure which requires  smalle incision and faster recovery period than traditional spine surgery. 

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