If you are suffering from severe or chronic back pain, then you might be thinking that you have spinal stenosis. This condition is a serious issue that can cause a lot of disruption to your daily life. Traditional western medicine usually only treats spinal stenosis with major surgery. However, this procedure can also lead to other problems. In addition to being safe and effective, chiropractic treatment can also help treat spinal stenosis. 

Spinal Stenosis 

The backbone supports the body and the spinal cord. There are numerous small openings in the foramina, which are located near the back of each vertebra. These holes allow the spinal cords to exit the spinal canal. There are also bony ridges located in the back of the spine that is also known as intervertebral foramina. These are located near the spinal canal. 

When the foramina or the spinal canal gets narrower, it can put pressure on the nerves and spinal cord. This condition can interfere with the function of the nerves. 

Symptoms 

The exact location of the narrowing can affect the function of the nerves. In addition to this, it can also cause pain. Some of the symptoms of spinal cord and nerve pain can include tingling and numbness. 

Pain 

Most people with spinal stenosis are affected by this condition in the lower back or cervical region. It can cause pain that ranges from a dull and localized feeling to an electric flare-up that can appear in the arms, legs, or hips. It can also be triggered by certain activities. 

Tingling/Numbness 

Some people with spinal stenosis do not experience much pain. However, they can still feel a lot of tingling and numbness. This condition can affect different parts of the body depending on the location of the narrowing. For instance, some people with spinal stenosis can feel a tingling or a feeling of numbness in their legs or arms. 

Weakness 

Weakness is a condition that affects the ability of the brain to feel the things that are around it. For people with spinal stenosis, this condition can lead to decreased sensation in their limbs, which can cause them to have difficulty with their coordination and balance. Some individuals with spinal stenosis also experience constipation or urinary incontinence. 

Causes 

Spinal stenosis is most often caused by degenerative conditions, including: 

Osteoarthritis  

Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis that attacks the cartilage in the spinal canal, causing it to break down. This condition can also put pressure on the nerves. When the cartilage gets too thin, the bones rub against each other, which then causes bone spurs to form. 

Degenerative Disc Disease 

Another type of arthritis that affects the cartilage between the vertebrae is called degenerative disc disease. It can also put pressure on the nerves as it causes the disc between the vertebrae to become thinner. When the cartilage between the vertebrae gets thinner, it can additionally cause the disc to bulge. 

Ligament Thickening 

Conditions that cause the connective tissue in the spine to ossify can also cause it to contract and turn into bone. When these tissues become too thick, they can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. Some of these conditions also cause the ligaments to weaken, which then allows them to bend and go through the spinal canal. 

Other conditions that can additionally cause spinal stenosis include tumors, cysts, and spinal deformities. It can additionally be caused by an injury. For instance, it can occur when a car accident causes a fracture or dislocation in the vertebrae. 

Who is at Risk? 

Usually, spinal stenosis is most common in older individuals. However, it can additionally affect younger people. It can also be caused by a genetic disease or spinal deformity. 

Chiropractic Treatment Can Help 

Before a chiro can start treating spinal stenosis, the patient must know what’s causing it. Aside from spinal adjustments, the chiropractor can also use various techniques to improve the condition. Some of these include physical therapy, spinal fusion, and regenerative medicine. 

Physical Therapy 

Poor posture can also worsen the symptoms of spinal stenosis. It’s important to address the root cause of the issue by improving your posture. Doing so can help maintain a healthy and long spine. In addition to strengthening the muscles, physical therapy can also help patients regain their flexibility and strength. 

Chiropractic Adjustments 

A healthy spine is characterized by a front-to-back curve. However, if the curve is too pronounced or flat, it can put pressure on the spinal nerves and spinal cord. Scoliosis can also occur if the curve is too wide or flat. 

These misalignments can also worsen the symptoms of spinal stenosis. To treat this condition, a chiro can perform spinal adjustments to restore proper alignment. This can help lengthen the spine and remove pressure from the nerves. 

Regenerative Medicine 

Human stem cells are known to be incredibly useful in regenerative medicine as they can be used to treat various conditions. They can be utilized to develop different tissues and organs in the body. When these stem cells encounter damaged tissue, they can then start developing into a specific tissue type. This process can help reduce or eliminate pain. 

Is it Effective? 

Unfortunately, spinal surgery is usually the only option for patients with spinal stenosis. However, a recent study revealed that chiropractic can help patients improve their symptoms significantly. Compared to those who received medical care, those who were treated by a chiropractor experienced a significant improvement in their pain levels within two months. 

The results of the study showed that the patients who were treated by a chiropractor experienced a significant improvement in their symptoms within two months. This proves that spinal manipulation can help patients with spinal stenosis get rid of their pain without resorting to surgery. 

Visit Primary Health Center Chiropractic to learn more about chiropractic treatment for spinal stenosis or call us at Call Primary Health Center Chiropractic at (703) 354-8111 for more information