- Spine Health
Spinal Stenosis and the Benefits of Chiropractic Care
Did you know up to 80% of all people will suffer from back pain at some point in their lifetime? Back pain is extremely prevalent. It’s actually the number-one reason for disability worldwide. Many older people experience a slow but steady increase in back pain as they age, which is a sign of a condition known as spinal stenosis.
Spinal stenosis can happen to anyone at any time, but it is most common in people over 50. Surgery is sometimes recommended for treating the pain caused by stenosis, but spinal stenosis chiropractic care is an effective, non-invasive option.
What Is Spinal Stenosis?
The spine is made up of a series of bones we call vertebra. Every vertebra contains a space in the center that holds the spinal canal. This space contains a bundle of delicate nerves that communicate between the brain and the rest of the body.
If the space inside the spine begins to narrow, it pinches or puts pressure on the nerves and causes pain. Lumbar stenosis refers to a narrowing in the lower region of the back. Cervical stenosis impacts the neck. Some people develop stenosis in both areas of the spine at the same time.
Symptoms of spinal stenosis include:
- Neck or back pain
- Problems with walking or balance
- Urinary urgency (cervical stenosis)
- Tingling or numbness in the extremities
- Weakness in legs or feet—usually one side
- Pain while standing that eases when sitting (lumbar stenosis)
To confirm your symptoms are due to stenosis, your chiropractor will order imaging tests before recommending any spinal stenosis chiropractic care.
What Causes Spinal Stenosis?
The most common cause of this condition is aging. Our spines are subjected to a lot of wear and tear through the years, which can affect the protective cushioning around spinal bones. Other causes include:
- Injury
- Poor posture
- Degeneration and arthritis
- Bone overgrowth
- Thickening ligaments
- Herniated disc
- Congenital conditions
Women, and especially those over 50, have a higher risk of developing spinal stenosis.
How Can Spinal Stenosis Chiropractic Care Help?
A combination of adjustments, manipulation, and other chiropractic treatments can help relieve pain by aligning the spine and reducing the pressure caused by narrowing.
Regular appointments decrease the stress placed on nerves and improve circulation within the spinal system. There is no “cure” for spinal stenosis, but improving overall spinal health is vital for decreasing and managing the pain.
In addition to chiropractic treatments, your chiropractor may suggest the following:
- Gentle targeted exercises to keep the spine strong and improve symptoms
- Medication and supplements to decrease inflammation
- Stretching
Spinal decompression therapy, a slow, controlled stretching of the spine and muscles, is a frequently recommended spinal stenosis chiropractic care treatment. Decompression opens up the spaces between the vertebrae, improving blood circulation and nutrient-rich fluids the spine needs to repair itself naturally.
Can Spinal Stenosis Chiropractic Care Help You?
Contact Inner Balance Institute today to schedule an evaluation. We’ll be happy to discuss the treatment options that are available with chiropractic care. Getting older doesn’t mean you have to accept pain as a normal part of life. With the right combination of lifestyle changes and spinal stenosis chiropractic care, you can continue to live life fully.