What is Spinal Stenosis?
Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the canals around the spinal cord or the spinal nerve roots. Stenosis is most commonly found in the cervical or lumbar spine. This narrowing of the canals causes irritation to the spinal cord or nerve leading to pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness into the arms and legs. Pain typically develops gradually. Changes in the canals are mostly age related and are most common in those age 50+.
Causes of Stenosis
Bone Overgrowth
As we age, the cartilage that supports and protects the surface of our bones erodes. Without protective cartilage, bones begin to rub against one another. This rubbing stimulates increased bone development, leading to bone spurs/ bony overgrowth. If the bone growth extends into the spinal canal it can pinch the nerve.
Bulging Disc/ Herniated Disc
Between each vertebrae lies a pad of cushioning called an intervertebral disc. These discs are meant to absorb shock to the spine. The natural aging process causes flattening and dehydration of these discs, potentially causing fraying of the outer portion of the disc. This can cause part of the disc to push on the surrounding neural structures.
Thickening of Ligaments
Ligaments of the spine help to support and hold the spine together and resist excessive forces. Ligaments thicken over time and can encroach into the neural spaces of the spine.
Spinal cord cysts/ tumors
Abnormal growths that place pressure on the spinal cord or spinal nerves
Congenital spinal stenosis
A condition in which the person is born with a narrow spinal canal.
Symptoms of Stenosis
- Dull ache or electrical pain in the back or neck
- Weakness into the arms or legs
- Heaviness into the arms and legs
- Electrical pain into the legs and/or arms
- Increased pain with walking down hill
- Decreased pain walking up hill
- Difficulty with balance
- Changes in bowel or bladder
Conservative treatment for Stenosis
Physical therapy, chiropractic, and acupuncture are all holistic and effective treatments for spinal stenosis. A physical therapist will teach you how to strengthen and help support the spine. The chiropractor will help to stretch the tight structures around the spinal and help improve intervertebral movement.
An acupuncturist will help restore proper muscle tone to help decrease pain symptoms. A holistic approach should always be the first line of defense unless there are any changes in bowel and bladder, or significant weakness noted.
