What does it mean when the spinal canal is patent?

Lumbar stenosis results from the gradual wear and tear on the spine associated with aging. A normal process, the spinal canal is widely patent in our youth, but gradually becomes narrower as the surrounding bone, ligaments, and discs become thicker and encroach on the spinal nerves.

What does foramen are patent mean?

A patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a hole in the heart that didn’t close the way it should after birth. During fetal development, a small flap-like opening — the foramen ovale (foh-RAY-mun oh-VAY-lee) — is normally present in the wall between the right and left upper chambers of the heart (atria).

Is canal stenosis the same as spinal stenosis?

Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of one or more bony openings (foramina) in the vertebrae of the spine. When spinal stenosis occurs in the spinal canal, it is called central canal stenosis and may cause compression of the spinal cord.

Is spinal stenosis a permanent disability?

If you have spinal stenosis and it has caused permanent damage and that you will not be able to work anymore and earn a living, then you may be eligible for Social Security disability benefits. Spinal stenosis is located in the Social Security disability blue book under disorders of the spine.

Does Foraminal stenosis require surgery?

When cervical foraminal stenosis is severe or causing problems at multiple spinal levels, more than one surgical technique may need to be performed during the procedure.

What is the treatment for Foraminal narrowing?

Asymptomatic foraminal narrowing does not need treatment. Effective treatments for foraminal narrowing include physical therapy, interventional pain management and surgery. Deuk Laser Disc Repair is an effective surgical treatment for symptomatic foraminal narrowing and uses a laser to “open” up clogged foramen.

Can central canal stenosis heal?

Diagnosis and treatment There is no cure for spinal stenosis, but there are treatments to help relieve symptoms. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications can ease swelling and pain. If they don’t do the trick, your doctor can prescribe higher-dose medication. Your doctor may also recommend cortisone injections.

Is walking good for foraminal stenosis?

Walking is a suitable exercise for you if you have spinal stenosis. It is low-impact, and you can easily vary the pace as needed. Consider a daily walk (perhaps on your lunch break or as soon as you get home).

Is the spinal canal patent or bilaterally patent?

The foramina are patent bilaterally. The spinal canal is sufficiently patent. L5-S1 There is disc dehydration. There is posterior lateral disc bulge with mild central protrusion. There is slight asymmetry of the disc bulge towards the left posterolaterally.

Is the L5 nerve root patent or effacement?

There is slight effacement of the proximal left L5 nerve root. The foramina are patent bilaterally. The spinal canal is sufficiently patent. L5-S1 There is disc dehydration. There is posterior lateral disc bulge with mild central protrusion. There is slight asymmetry of the disc bulge towards the left posterolaterally.

How to decipher the spinal canal and foramina?

L3-L4 There is minimal disc bulge. The spinal canal and foramina are patent. L4-L5 There is disc dehydration and minimal disc space narrowing. There is posterior protrusion centrally and towards the left with flattening of the anterior thecal sac centrally and towards the left. There is slight interior extension of the protrusion.

Where is the protrusion of the posterior thecal sac?

There is posterior protrusion centrally and towards the left with flattening of the anterior thecal sac centrally and towards the left. There is slight interior extension of the protrusion. There is increased signal along the posterior protruding disc margin which could reflect a small annular tear.