Spinal Stenosis (narrowing) is a condition associated with multiple etiological factors, all of which cause the narrowing of one or more bony openings (foramina) within the spine. Stenosis in the spine occurs either within the spinal canal (where the spinal cord runs) or in the IVF (intervertebral foramina), where the spinal nerves exit the spinal canal. The narrowing of the foramen can cause pinching of the spinal cord and or nerve roots leading to pain, numbness, weakness, and or tingling. Spinal Stenosis can happen in any part of your spine but is most common in the low back (lumbar spine). Depending on where the Stenosis is, you may feel the pain in your neck, shoulders, lower back, and legs.
Various conditions can cause spinal Stenosis, such as degeneration (osteoarthritis), congenital (achondroplasia), inflammatory or metabolic, or a tumor. The most common cause of spinal Stenosis is osteoarthritis, a gradual “wear and tear” that happens to your joints over time. People over the age of 50 are at risk for this condition since OA starts to cause changes in most people’s spine by 50 years of age.
In most people, symptoms, develop gradually over time. Common symptoms may include pain in the back, burning pain going into the buttocks and down into the legs (sciatica), numbness, tingling, cramping or weakness in the legs. To diagnose your condition, your health care provider will take a thorough history, a complete physical examination, a neurological examination, and examine your range of motion. Because this condition is diagnosed radiographically, your doctor may send you for an X-ray, CT scan, or an MRI. The X-ray will show the diameter of the spinal canal, and the possibility of bone spurs encroaching the space housing the nerves.
Three different types of Stenosis can exist 1. Central Stenosis 2. Lateral recess stenosis 3. Foraminal Stenosis. Central Stenosis is narrowing the spinal canal where the spinal cord and cauda equina reside. Lateral recess stenosis narrows the canal just before the intervertebral foramen, where the nerve roots initially branch off the spinal cord. Lastly, foraminal Stenosis is narrowing the intervertebral foramen (IVF) itself when the nerve roots exit. Today, spinal Stenosis is the leading cause of disability and loss of independence in the elderly population [Kalichman 2009] and the most common cause of spinal surgery over the age of 65 [AHCRQ 2001]. Conservative treatment is the first line of treatment for this condition.
Your Chiropractor will manage your symptoms using various techniques such as postural correction, mobilizations, spinal manipulative therapy, exercise therapy, muscle release techniques, and potentially decompression therapy.
At Grande Chiropractic, we use evidence-based, patient-centered care intervention methods to help with the symptoms of spinal Stenosis. Our qualified doctors have successfully treated this condition for many years.