Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Diagnosed With Severe Thecal Sac Narrowing. Does Something Needs To Be Done?
Question: I have been diagnosed woth severe thecal sac narrowing, at what point does something need to be done about this?
Brief Answer:
IF symptoms do not respond to treatment
Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic
The thecal sac is a membrane that surrounds the spinal cord and the cauda equina.It is filled with fluid. The cauda equina is a bundle of spinal nerve found at the end of the cord.
The thecal sac can become narrowed as a result of spinal stenosis (narrowing of the space between the vertebra). There are different causes of stenosis , the most common is spondylosis which is basically degeneration of the spine from wear and tear.
Treatment can be surgical or non surgical.
Non surgical treatment would involve only physiotherapy/exercise to strengthen the muscles, pain medication, weight reduction if there is any excess weight affecting the back and initial rest.
Surgical treatment is started usually if the above have been tried with no or minimal response. This involves mainly decompressing the area.
If you have used the conservative methods with minimal or no response then you should consider speaking to your doctor for surgical options.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any additional questions
IF symptoms do not respond to treatment
Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic
The thecal sac is a membrane that surrounds the spinal cord and the cauda equina.It is filled with fluid. The cauda equina is a bundle of spinal nerve found at the end of the cord.
The thecal sac can become narrowed as a result of spinal stenosis (narrowing of the space between the vertebra). There are different causes of stenosis , the most common is spondylosis which is basically degeneration of the spine from wear and tear.
Treatment can be surgical or non surgical.
Non surgical treatment would involve only physiotherapy/exercise to strengthen the muscles, pain medication, weight reduction if there is any excess weight affecting the back and initial rest.
Surgical treatment is started usually if the above have been tried with no or minimal response. This involves mainly decompressing the area.
If you have used the conservative methods with minimal or no response then you should consider speaking to your doctor for surgical options.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any additional questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
