Spinal Stenosis

What is Spinal Stenosis?

Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal that occurs most often in the lower back (lumbar), or the neck (cervical) region of the spine. When the spinal canal becomes narrower, it can squeeze the nerves or the spinal cord, causing pain and other symptoms.

Some people are born with a narrow spinal canal, but most often spinal stenosis is a result of aging processes. Some medical conditions can cause spinal stenosis, including osteoarthritis, trauma, and having a previous spinal surgery.

Spinal stenosis symptoms may include:

• Numbness, weakness, cramping, or pain in the legs and thighs often relieved by sitting

• Radiating pain down the leg

• Abnormal bowel and/or bladder function

• Decreased sensation in the feet causing difficulty placing the feet when walking

• Loss of sexual function

• Partial or complete paralysis of the legs

• A “balled-up sock” under the foot sensation

After a thorough exam and analyzing diagnostic imaging (X-rays and/or MRI) we will determine if and how we can help you. We begin with conservative treatments such as chiropractic adjustments and working on increasing flexibility and increasing strength and stability of the spine to alleviate pain, improve balance and increase mobility. Mechanical traction treatments may be administered as well to relieve pressure on nerves.

Many patients experience relief from pain within a month or two with conservative chiropractic treatment.