Treatment of neurogenic claudication and lumbar canal stenosis by an FMH neurosurgeon.
Lumbar canal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal, through which the nerves supplying the legs travel. It is mainly caused by arthrosis: the nerves of the cauda equina become increasingly compressed over the years.
The classic picture is "neurogenic claudication": pain, weakness and tingling in the legs, triggered mainly by walking. Without treatment, walking distance may progressively decrease, sometimes to just a few minutes.
The main investigation is a lumbar MRI, which best identifies the level or levels responsible for the symptoms.
When conservative treatment has failed and walking becomes more and more difficult, it is then reasonable to propose an operation to open the lumbar canal at one or several levels in order to free the nerves.
There are 2 main surgical techniques for lumbar canal stenosis:
Learn more about spine surgery at the practice.
Do you recognise these symptoms? Call the practice: +41 22 347 67 40
If pain or weakness appears when walking and improves at rest or when leaning forward, lumbar canal stenosis is possible. A lumbar MRI confirms the diagnosis.
Surgical decompression aims to give the nerves room again and improve walking distance. Results are discussed case by case during the consultation.
Consultations are conducted in French, English or German. Our secretariat is available Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm.