Spinal Stenosis; Treatment Without Going Under

One of the most common back pain issues affects over 200,000 people a year - but with regular treatments from your Chiropractor, your pain can be eliminated or managed. Most importantly, if already suffering, you can avoid going under your surgeon's knife.

Even though age is just a number and should never be something that holds you back - sometimes it's your back that betrays you as that number grows. One of the most common and painful diagnoses found in the neck and lower back is called Spinal Stenosis. Affecting over 200,000 people a year - back pain sufferers are no stranger to this malady. Many of you might already be aware of this disease, especially if osteoarthritis has become a part of your daily life. But if you're new to the world of back pain or have put a lot of wear and tear on your body over the years, or arthritis has started to settle in, now is the time to start paying attention. It is also time to start paying attention to how chiropractic care can alleviate this pain without surgery - so you can safely and comfortably continue living your life!

Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the space within your spine (the spinal canal) that can cause pressure on the nerves that travel through your spine. It causes a pinching of the spinal cord and possibly the nerve root which leads to pain, cramping, weakness, or numbing. The condition commonly appears in the neck and lower back and is most often caused by wear and tear over time causing arthritis. Anyone over the age of 50 is at risk of suffering from it, although it can happen in younger patients if they have been exposed to or have experienced trauma, scoliosis, and genetic diseases that affect bone muscle development.
Other Causes can also be related to:

• An overgrowth of bone
• Herniated Disks
• Thickened Ligaments
• Tumors
• Spinal Injuries​

The two most commonly occurring types of Spinal Stenosis are Cervical Stenosis (located in the neck) which is less common but more dangerous, and Lumbar Stenosis (located in the lower back) which is the most common form.
Symptoms to look out for in your neck:

• Numbness or tingling in a hand, arm, foot, or leg
• Weakness in hand, arm, foot, or leg
• Problems with walking and balance
• Neck Pain
• Bowel or Bladder dysfunction (found in severe cases)

Symptoms to look for in your lower back:

• Numbness or tingling in a foot or leg
• Weakness in a foot or leg
• Pain or cramping in your legs when you stand or walk for long periods of time
• Back Pain

If these symptoms go untreated you may experience or have permanent numbness, weakness, balance issues, and paralysis. It is doctor recommended to seek treatment if you are experiencing any of these symptoms. There is no cure for this disease - yet. But there are many steps you can take to ease the pain and improve your quality of life. Treatments can vary between medications, cortisone injections, and surgery. But what if you could avoid these treatments? That's where chiropractic care steps in!

According to the US Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, Chiropractic care is beneficial in the treatment of patients with spinal stenosis. Think of it as a preliminary treatment - something that can be done to prevent this diagnosis happening to you, help it from becoming worse if you already have been diagnosed, or slow the progression. Think about it - Chiropractic care focuses on keeping you properly aligned so your nervous system continues to work without being interrupted. This way it can function the way it's supposed to. Continued alignment care can also help the weight distribution on the spine to help it return to its normal functioning speed. So, if you start becoming a regular visitor of your Chiropractor - you may not ever have to know what spinal stenosis is!

If you're diagnosed your doctor may start adding gentle adjustments to your care to help regain your range of motion and give you enough space in your back so the nervous system can continue its normal function. What else can greatly help is (doctor approved) exercises, stretches, and activities that boost joint function. Exercise keeps your muscles strong, improves your flexibility, boots strength, keeps your blood flowing, and helps reduce pain.

If you have been diagnosed or put a lot of wear and tear on your body - don't jump to a surgeon or pain pills just yet. There might be a simpler and safer way of taking care of that back pain. You're not alone - and you're not without help.  Dr. Bob will be here when you need him, and will give your back the care it needs and deserves!