Treat Spinal Stenosis with Chiropractic Care
If you’re suffering from back pain, one possible cause is a condition called spinal stenosis. It’s created by the narrowing of the spinal canal, according to the American Chiropractic Association (ACA). It most often occurs in the lower back and can be a degenerative condition. If you have spinal stenosis, you want relief from your pain. But you may be concerned about your options, one of which is surgery. Total Chiropractic Care and Wellness wants you to know that surgery isn’t the only choice you have to treat this condition. We’d like to tell you more about spinal stenosis and non-surgical alternatives for treatment and pain management.
Facts About Spinal Stenosis
About 75 percent of spinal stenosis cases occur in the lower back, according to WebMD. The narrowing of the spine causes pressure on the spinal cords and nerves. This often results in pain, limping and lack of feeling in the legs. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), spinal stenosis is most common for men and women over 50 years old. Younger patients with a narrow spinal canal may also get it.
Cause and Diagnosis
A leading cause of spinal stenosis is aging. As people get older, the bands of tissue that support the spine can become thicker and harder. Bones and joints may also get bigger and bone spurs may develop. Arthritis can also be a common cause. Another cause is scoliosis or a curved spine. Spine tumors, calico deposits on ligaments near the spine, excessive fluoride in the body and some types of injuries can also be a cause.
Spinal stenosis is diagnosed through physical examinations. A doctor will check medical histories, pain symptoms and perform neurological tests on patients. X-rays, MRIs and CAT scans, dye tests, and bone scans can help identify the condition, according to NIH.
Surgery and Non-Surgical Alternatives
Surgery may be necessary if spinal stenosis symptoms prevent a patient from walking properly or if there are severe problems with their bowel or bladder function or issues related to the nervous system. Very severe pain might cause a doctor to consider surgery as well.
But more and more, patients are using non-surgical alternatives to treat spinal stenosis. Sometimes they’re prescribed medications such as anti-inflammatory drugs or they take analgesics. Patients may receive Corticosteroid and anesthetic injections. Braces or corsets can sometimes help.
There are cases where restricted activity can be helpful, but very often exercise and physical therapy is important.
Total Chiropractic Care and Wellness Offers Non-Invasive Care
One option to consider is chiropractic care. At Total Chiro, we often treat our spinal stenosis patients with spinal decompression. It is a way of relieving pressure on the spine through physical manipulation and spinal positioning. Spinal decompression is a non-invasive, comfortable alternative to surgery in which patients are placed on a decompression table. Dr. Todd Goldman will use a sensor and computer to read your muscle tension and create negative pressure to specific areas of your spine. This creates a vacuum effect which puts discs back into place and allows blood and nutrients circulate better, reducing inflammation.
Total Chiropractic Care and Wellness knows the pain and numbness that comes with spinal stenosis. We also know that surgery is a harsh option. We can help you ease that pain and get you back on the track to wellness. Contact us today.
Please note that the author of this piece is not a doctor and the information in this material is not intended as medical advice. Please consult your doctor or medical professional for specific information regarding your individual situation.
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