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If the degenerative process (see Spinal degeneration) progresses, the space required for the spinal cord and nerve roots in the spinal canal decreases. The reasons for this narrowing are; thickening of the ligaments connecting both vertebrae, decrease in the disc space, thickening of the intervertebral joints, formation of bony protrusions around the vertebrae. This causes compression of the nerve roots and the veins passing through the spinal canal. The main complaints in spinal canal stenosis are; increased pain in the legs when walking and standing for a long time, relieved when sitting or bending forward, and the pain affects both legs. The pain may be more severe on one side. Similar pains may also be seen in problems in the leg veins or hip joint calcification. It is recommended to consult a spine surgeon to differentiate these diseases. The primary radiological examination in spinal canal stenosis is MRI. In cases where MRI cannot be performed, computerized tomography may be required. NON-SURGICAL TREATMENT OPTIONS painkillers and muscle relaxants exercise and physical therapy weight control steroid and/or painkiller injections into the spinal canal selective injections into the nerve roots Surgical treatment is very effective and beneficial in spinal canal stenosis. When is surgical treatment required? complaints not going away despite non-surgical treatment weakness in the legs inability to control urination and bowel movements complaints due to imbalance in the spine Surgical techniques include; removal of the bone structure forming the roof of the spinal canal (laminectomy) removal of the ligament, bone and disc structures where the nerve roots exit the spine and release of the nerve root (foraminotomy) if the removal of these structures will cause imbalance in the spine, an instrument (platinum) and fusion (fusion) procedure may be required