What is Spinal Stenosis?

Spinal stenosis is the condition where the spinal canal (the channel through which the spinal cord passes) or foraminal canals (the canals where nerves exit the spine) narrow, causing compression on the nerves. Stenosis is divided into acquired and developmental types. Developmental stenosis is a congenital condition where the canal is narrower than normal for various reasons. Acquired stenosis, which is most common in the 60s and 70s, is divided into foraminal stenosis, which develops with facet joint hypertrophies (joint enlargements) following disk degeneration, and spinal stenosis, which develops due to hypertrophy (enlargement) and loss of elasticity of the ligamentum flavum (yellow ligament) that runs inside the canal. Although acquired stenosis usually develops with age, it can be seen at much younger ages due to excessive use of the spine, poor posture, repetitive flexion (bending forward) movements with insufficient muscle strength that put excessive strain on the ligaments, and prolonged periods in flexion positions. Stenosis patients usually have difficulty standing or walking for long periods and feel the need to sit down shortly. In this respect, sitting in a hunched, poor posture is a flexion posture, which can pull the age of stenosis formation to the 40s, especially in people like office workers who spend 8-9 hours a day sitting. Therefore, poor sitting posture not only causes joint or muscle pain but also leads to chronic spine problems. We will discuss the harmful effects of poor sitting posture and a sedentary lifestyle in future posts... Sit up straight, exercise, and consult your physiotherapist for complaints...