Spinal stenosis

Spinal stenosis is narrowing of the spinal column cavity, which is formed by the arches of the vertebrae (spinal cord location). This is a common pathology which mainly occurs among elderly people. Stenosis of different degrees is diagnosed among 4% of patients over 50. 20% of people over 60 also suffer from this disease, while 67% of them don’t have any symptoms, but 33% of patients notice the considerable decrease in the quality of their lives due to the neurological symptoms.

Diagnostics of Spinal stenosis

MRI is the most informative method of spinal stenosis diagnostics, but among its disadvantages are its high cost and low availability (not every clinic has the necessary equipment). As an alternative, the myelography (X-rays) or CT scan is used.

Electromyography is also performed as an additional method of the examination. It allows doctor to estimate the speed of impulses passing through the nerves, obtain data on the state of the lumbar plexus, and each individual nerve root of the spinal cord.

Best clinics for the spinal stenosis diagnostics in Germany:

Charite University Hospital Berlin

0.00

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Hospital Neuwerk Moenchengladbach

1000.00

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Vitos Orthopedic Clinic Kassel

0.00

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Treatment of Spinal stenosis

Conservative and surgical methods of treatment are performed. Conservative therapeutic measures are aimed at the improvement of the patient’s quality of life.

The complex tactics that are used include the following aspects:

• Lifestyle modification
• Weight loss
• Exercise therapy
• Massage
• Physiotherapy
• Medicamentous analgesic therapy
• In case of the intensive pain syndrome, a doctor prescribes the blockade with the local anesthetics and glucocorticoids

Progression of symptoms, ineffectiveness of conservative therapy and a poor patient’s quality of life are indications for the surgical intervention.

Depending on the cause and the type of the spinal stenosis, the following surgeries are performed:

• Surgical decompression. The fragments of the spine that compress the nerve roots are removed. These may be the spinous processes, the arcs of the vertebrae, intervertebral joints, and yellow ligament. 
• Stabilizing operations. Usually they complement the surgical decompression in order to avoid spinal instability after surgery (it occurs in 25% of patients). The dynamic systems of interspinous fixation are implanted. With their help, the vertebrae are firmly bonded one to each other and the spine retains its mobility.

Best clinics for the spinal stenosis treatment in Germany:

Charite University Hospital Berlin

Treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis (1 segment) with decompressive laminectomy and discotomy

16411.3

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Treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis (2-3 segments) with decompressive laminectomy and discotomy

22605.2

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Treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis (4 segments) with decompressive laminectomy

24755.84

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Vivantes Auguste-Viktoria Hospital Berlin

Treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis (1 segment) with decompressive laminectomy and discotomy

12351.18

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Treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis (2-3 segments) with decompressive laminectomy and discotomy

16612.64

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Treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis (4 segments) with decompressive laminectomy

17950

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Catholic Clinic Koblenz-Montabaur

Treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis (1 segment) with decompressive laminectomy and discotomy

11546.26

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Treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis (2-3 segments) with decompressive laminectomy and discotomy

15522.7

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Treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis (4 segments) with decompressive laminectomy

17117.93

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Rehabilitation after treatment of Spinal stenosis

The most modern rehabilitation programs are used in Germany. They are adapted individually for each patient, and are based on the disease stage, age, physical possibilities, and the results of treatment. Different specialists such as: therapists, neurologists, psychologists, rehabilitators, kinesiotherapists, physiotherapists are involved in the rehabilitation process.

The following methods of rehabilitation are used:

• Dosed physical activity
• Training on the simulators and in the pool
• Individual orthoses
• Physiotherapy
• Acupuncture
• Manual therapy
• Transcranial magnetic stimulation
• Natural factors of the nature (mud, thermal waters, etc.)
• Individual or group therapy with a psychologist

Rehabilitation may include medicamentous support. It is necessary to hold a consultation with the patient about the proper nutrition and the way of life which is important for him in the current situation.

Rehabilitation programs in Germany are designed for 2 weeks. If necessary, they can last much longer. In this country, the patient is provided with qualitative care, accommodation in comfortable rooms and individually selected meals.

Rehabilitation programs in Germany show one of the best results in the world. Most patients successfully restore their working capacity and excellent health there. They remain physically active, return to the full social and family life.

Best clinics for neurological rehabilitation in Germany:

Neurological Rehabilitation Clinic Godeshöhe Bonn

1800.00Per day

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Author:

The article was edited by medical expert, board certified Dr. Nadezhda Ivanisova. For the treatment of the conditions referred to in the article you must consult a doctor; the information in the article is not intended for self-medication!

Sources:

National Spine Health Foundation

SPINE-health

MedlinePlus