Spinal Stenosis

Causes and Symptoms

Degeneration in the spine is related to spinal stenosis and will become more significant later in life. A gradual decrease in physical activity and development of a forward flexed posture is likely due to spinal stenosis and will gradually worsen. Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the bone channel where the spinal nerves or spinal cord occupy. There are two kinds of stenosis:

  • Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
    • Spinal nerve roots are compressed in the lower back and can lead to sciatica.
  • Cervical Stenosis
    • Narrowing of the spinal bone in the neck leading to compression of the spinal cord. This is significant and can lead to extreme weakness or paralysis.

Radiating pain, weakness and/or numbness may occur due to the narrowing of the spine.

The symptoms of spinal stenosis include:

  • Developing slowly over time
  • Coming and going pain
  • Pain while walking or biking
  • Feeling relieved by sitting, lying down and/or any flexed forward position

Spinal stenosis is caused by osteoarthritis due to the aging of the body or by repetitive injuries or stresses. Other causes are:

  • Poor posture
  • Disc herniation
  • Osteophytes
  • Previous injuries or surgery in the spine

Chiropractic care may help with spinal stenosis with techniques such as

  • Spinal adjustments
  • Traction methods
  • Spinal Decompression Therapy
  • Flexion-Distraction techniques

Contact Spruce Chiropractic Health Center and schedule an appointment today!