Spinal Stenosis Treatment
Do you struggle with low back pain? It could be because of spinal stenosis. This health issue is quite common but more prevalent in the elderly population. It can show various symptoms, including pain, weakness, and numbness in the back, legs, and arms. This article examines the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for spinal stenosis, providing a comprehensive understanding of the condition and how to manage it effectively.
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What is Spinal Stenosis?
Spinal stenosis is a medical condition where one or more spaces within the spine become abnormally narrow. It results in less room for the spinal cord and its nerve branches, reducing space within the spinal column. When the space within the spine becomes constricted, the resulting pressure on the spinal cord or nerves can cause irritation, compression, or pinching.
Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis
Symptoms and signs of spinal stenosis can vary based on the location of the narrowing. It can occur anywhere along the spine. The cervical region near the head and neck or the lumbar region in the lower back are common areas where stenosis typically occurs, and the causes and symptoms can differ accordingly.
The following symptoms may show spinal stenosis in the lower back:
- discomfort or ache in the lower back
- pain that spreads down the back and into the legs
- aggravated pain while standing or walking and relieved when bending forward
- cramping, tingling, or numbness in the feet and legs
- weakness of the leg and foot muscles.
Symptoms of spinal stenosis in the neck can manifest as:
- pain in the neck
- a sensation of tingling or numbness in the hands and arms
- weakness in the hands and arms
Treatment for Spinal Stenosis
Treating spinal stenosis involves multiple options. These include chiropractic care and physiotherapy, along with medication such as NSAIDs, muscle relaxants, and pain relievers that help to alleviate inflammation and pain. Steroid injections and surgery are also available as treatment options for severe cases.
At MyoDynamic Health, our recommended treatment for spinal stenosis typically involves a combination of chiropractic techniques and Physiotherapy. The treatment regime will include the following:
- Manual therapy: This type of therapy involves using hands-on techniques to mobilize or manipulate the affected joints and soft tissues to restore proper alignment and range of motion. Manual therapy can include spinal adjustments, massage therapy, and other related techniques.
- Exercise therapy: Our recommendation for enhancing the stability and strength of muscles supporting the spine may include targeted exercises. These exercises can effectively mitigate pain and inflammation while enhancing overall functionality.
- Spinal adjustments: Spinal adjustments are a type of manual therapy that specifically targets the spine. This technique involves using controlled force to manipulate the joints and realign the vertebrae, resulting in improved spinal function and pain relief.
- Range of motion exercises: These aim to enhance flexibility and mobility in the affected region, reducing stiffness and improving range of motion.
Causes of Spinal Stenosis
Various factors can cause the spinal canal to constrict, putting pressure on your nerves and spinal code, including:
Arthritis
Degenerative changes associated with age are responsible for as much as 9 in every 10 diagnosed cases of spinal stenosis. Spinal stenosis tends to appear most in patients with arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis is arthritis characterized by degeneration that targets the spine and surrounding structures. This type of arthritis can cause changes that lead to spinal canal compression. The compression can result from bone spurs, joint degeneration, and thickening of the spinal ligaments.
Disc Prolapse
Disc prolapse (herniation) happens when the jelly-like substance found in the nucleus of an intervertebral disc protrudes out through a laceration in the outer annulus fibrosus. This health issue is frequently known as a "slipped disc." It can exert a surplus force on the spinal cord and nerves, leading to severe agony.
Other Causes:
Spinal stenosis may also occur because of other factors, including:
- A ligament that has become thicker and is protruding into the spinal cord
- The presence of tumors in the spinal cord or other parts of the spine
- An injury sustained in the back
- Congenital spinal stenosis
The thickening of a ligament in the spinal cord can occur for several reasons, such as aging or degeneration of the spine. A thickened ligament can cause pressure on the spinal cord, leading to spinal stenosis.
Tumors that develop in the spinal cord or other parts of the spine can also lead to spinal stenosis by causing spinal cord compression. In addition, this medical condition can be brought on by trauma to the spine or an accident that causes the spinal canal to constrict and squeeze the spinal cord.
Some people grapple with a type called congenital spinal stenosis. Having congenital spinal stenosis means you were born with a smaller spinal canal than usual. Also, scoliosis, an abnormal spine curvature, is another congenital spinal deformity that can increase your risk of developing spinal stenosis.
Other medical conditions can also cause spinal stenosis. These include:
- Paget's disease
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Scoliosis
- Ankylosing spondylitis
Get in Touch With Us Now!
Although there are many methods for treating back pain, it is crucial to consult a physician or physical therapist before starting a treatment regimen. Contact MyoDynamic's skilled medical professionals in Barrie and Innisfil for help choosing the best treatment plan for your unique needs. We will help you choose the most efficient treatment programs for your back pain, including physiotherapy, chiropractic, and other spinal treatments.
There is still hope; you can defeat spinal stenosis, recover control over the health of your spine, and carry on with an active, fulfilling life.
