Narrowing of the spinal canal (spinal stenosis) is usually structural. It is most common in the lower back. It develops when the canal through which the spinal cord passes narrows due to disc herniation and thickening of the surrounding connective tissue. The most common complaint of patients is being unable to walk long distances. There is usually no problem when they start walking. However, if they keep going, numbness and cramping in the legs begin after 150–200 meters. At that point, the patient cannot continue walking. Resting for a few minutes brings relief, and the patient can walk again. These patients usually get around by stopping to rest. It is diagnosed with imaging methods. Treatment is usually surgical.
Spondylolisthesis (slipped vertebra), on the other hand, develops due to small fractures in the bony projections at the back that hold the vertebrae on top of one another. The degree of slippage is important. Slippage of 25% or more causes significant narrowing of the spinal canal. Surgery is necessary.
In both spinal stenosis and spondylolisthesis, surgery usually requires the placement of screws.
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