What is the thecal sac in the spine?
Thecal sac is the outer covering of the spinal cord. This means there are bone spurs on the back of the spinal bones, putting pressure on or affecting the front part of the outer layer of the (neck) cervical spinal cord.
What happens when the thecal sac is compressed?
If there is central stenosis and marked compression of the entire dural/thecal sac, the patient may demonstrate paralysis (e.g., cauda equina syndrome) with sphincter loss (bladder and rectal dysfunction).
What is the function of the thecal sac?
The thecal sac contains the cerebrospinal fluid which provides nutrients and buoyancy to the spinal cord. From the skull the tube adheres to bone at the foramen magnum and extends down to the second sacral vertebra where it tapers to cover over the filum terminale.
What is the most common cause of cauda equina syndrome?
These are the most common causes of cauda equina syndrome:
- A severe ruptured disk in the lumbar area (the most common cause)
- Narrowing of the spinal canal (stenosis)
- A spinal lesion or malignant tumor.
- A spinal infection, inflammation, hemorrhage, or fracture.
Can you fully recover from cauda equina syndrome?
Although cauda equina syndrome is not a fatal condition, it can cause severe neurological damage. If the condition is not treated quickly enough, this damage may be irreversible, meaning a patient will not make a full recovery.
Is thecal sac compression the same as spinal cord compression?
Thecal Sac Compression – The spinal cord and nerves are also protected by a membrane filled with cerebral spinal fluid known as the thecal sac or dural sac. Flattening or compression of the thecal sac will occur in other conditions that cause pressure or pinching of the spinal cord, such as stenosis.
What is the treatment for thecal sac compression?
Conservative and Traditional Medical Treatments. Thecal sac indentation can be treated by patients ceasing the aggravating behavior, engaging in stretches and exercises (including yoga and Pilates), chiropractic adjustments, massage therapy, and acupuncture.
What are the symptoms of thecal sac compression?
Lower back pain
What is the normal thecal sac diameter?
normally the A-P diameter of the Lumbar canal which has the thecal sac is greater than 13 mm. 8 mm is severe / absolute narrowing and hence the nerve compression due to narrowing of the exit foramina (holes) and slipped disc. your spine surgeon will be the best judge to guide your treatment.
What is the thecal sac in the cervical spine?
The thecal sac or dural sac is the membranous sheath or tube of dura mater that surrounds the spinal cord and the cauda equina. The thecal sac contains the cerebrospinal fluid which provides nutrients and buoyancy to the spinal cord.