Lumbar canal stenosis an occupational hazard

The theory of Spinal Reserve Capacity (SRC) a Computerised Tomography technique, proving symptomatic spinal stenosis, has been applied to industrial accident patients with pre-existent developmental canal narrowing. In five cases, a mild disc bulge or protrusion into the lumbar canal produced obliteration of the intracanalar space, necessary for the mobility of the neural tissue. The symptomatology was disproportionate to the extent of the disc bulge, the effect of decompression was dramatic. This CT technique of SRC is suggested as a diagnostic test, to prove liability in a relatively minor injury responsible for a major disability.