Stenosis – a bit of a squeeze!

What is spinal stenosis?

Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spaces within your spinal column. This can put pressure on the nerves that travel through the spine.

The function of the spinal column is to house and protect the spinal cord as well as the spinal nerves. If the protective spinal column and spinal cord are compromised, our level of health can be dramatically altered.

It is common for this condition to go undiagnosed for several years because a person may not show any noticeable symptoms.

This condition typically occurs in the lower back and the neck and is often caused by wear and tear and age.

Symptoms

Mostly the initial symptoms of spinal stenosis are quite minor until the later stages when pain occurs that won’t go away.

Symptoms of lumbar stenosis

• Extreme low back and general back pain
• Pain with walking, especially when walking up or down stairs or hills
• Weakness in either legs or feet
• Leaning forward or sitting relieves the symptoms
• Cramping in the legs when standing for long durations

Symptoms of cervical stenosis

• Severe/chronic neck pain
• Tingling sensations or numbness in the legs/feet, arms/hands
• Balance issues or difficulty walking

Causes

This condition is most commonly caused by osteoarthritis, which is the gradual wear and tear on the joints due to repetitive injuries and misalignment of the spine.

Osteoarthritis causes osteophytes (bony spurs) which narrow the spinal canal, compressing the spinal nerves or spinal cord.

Other common causes of this condition include:

• Previous surgery or injury to the spine
• Poor posture
• Thickened ligaments that support the spine
• Tumours or cysts
• Disc herniation (slipped disc)
• Osteophytes or bone spurs

Individuals at risk for spinal stenosis include people over the age of 50 and people who sit for a majority of their time. Some people may be born with a narrow spinal canal – although this is not common.

How can Chiropractic treatment Help?

Although traditional medicine can provide symptomatic relief, it doesn’t always prevent the progression of the degenerative process or reduce the pressure applied to the nerves.

A Chiropractor can help improve and manage many of the processes that created the narrowing of the spinal cord by increasing mobility and improving function of the spine. Improving flexibility will increase tissue repair, lymphatic drainage and blood flow. This has a vast impact on inflammation and swelling which can lead to a reduction in symptoms.

Here at Heale’s Clinics your expert Chiropractor will use a variety of techniques that can aid in the management of some types of spinal stenosis. The exact approach will differ from person to person depending on the severity of the condition and the person’s overall health.

Chiropractic treatment for both cervical and lumbar stenosis is a gentle, non-invasive treatment option for people who are searching for a natural approach to managing severe pain, without the use of harmful pain killers or surgery.

Techniques can include:-

• Chiropractic spinal adjustments
• Traction methods
• Flexion-distraction techniques
• Rehabilitative exercises

Your Chiropractor may also offer lifestyle advice and suggest therapeutic massage to work alongside your Chiropractic treatment.

If you or someone you know is suffering pain from spinal stenosis, get in touch today!

If you would like some further information or to speak to a member of our team please call us on: Hitchin 01462 420077 or Luton 01582 579687, alternatively e-mail us at: hitchin@healesclinics.com or luton@healesclinics.com.