What Is Spinal Stenosis?
At its simplest, spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the canal within your spine. This may not sound like a big deal, but your spine houses 31 pairs of spinal nerves and the narrowing can cause pressure or pinching to take place.
Spinal stenosis typically occurs in people above the age of 50, but it has been seen to develop sooner due to injury or, even in some cases, from birth. In fact, some people with spinal stenosis don’t even realize because it hasn’t yet progressed to a state of impacting the nerves.
The pinching of the nerves can cause severe pain, numbness, tingling, and bowel or bladder dysfunction.
What Causes Spinal Stenosis?
There are a range of causes for spinal stenosis – as well as simply being more likely to experience it due to previous conditions such as scoliosis or being born with an already narrow spine. Some of the most common causes outside of these are:
- Spinal osteoarthritis
- Degenerative disc disease
- Thickened ligaments
What Are The Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis?
As mentioned, some people suffering from the early stages of this condition don’t even experience symptoms. But if you suffer from lower back pain, numbness, tingling or bowel/bladder dysfunction, then it’s crucial that you seek medical attention to acquire an accurate diagnosis.
What Are My Treatment Options for Spinal Stenosis?
If you are experiencing symptoms for spinal stenosis, then the condition has already progressed. It’s important to seek proper medical care to ensure it does not continue to worsen, limiting your mobility and putting you in excruciating pain.
Some of the ways your doctor may treat you include:
- Rehab Therapy – Your doctor might develop a custom exercise plan to strengthen your back and stomach muscles, to help make your spine stronger too – alongside this, there are methods of walking that open up the spinal canal, easing the pressure on your nerves.
- Chiropractic care – depending on where your pain is presenting, your doctor may suggest a chiropractic adjustment to help mitigate your spine from pinching the nerves encased in the spinal column.
Frequently Asked Questions about Spinal Stenosis
1. What activity should be avoided with spinal stenosis?
Patients suffering with spinal stenosis should listen to their doctor’s recommendations specific to their own condition, but typically they should avoid high impact exercises such as jogging, contact sports, and long periods of standing or walking.
2. Can spinal stenosis be cured?
At this time, there is no permanent cure for spinal stenosis but working with your healthcare provider, you can experience life pain-free. Schedule a free consultation.
