Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal that surrounds the spinal cord. Neural foraminal stenosis is a narrowing of the nerve holes that exit the spinal cord. Narrowing can occur anywhere in the spine. Spinal Stenosis can cause pressure on the spinal cord and spinal nerve roots. Lumbar spinal stenosis in the lower back is more common than cervical spinal stenosis. Thoracic spinal stenosis is even less common. 75% of cases of spinal stenosis occurs in the lumbar spine (low back). Spinal stenosis is due to degeneration and usually seen in ones 50s or 60s. Arthritis can lead to narrowing of the spinal canal. Vertebral subluxations, which are spinal misalignment’s can also lead to narrowing of the spinal canal. Congenital narrowing of the spinal canal can predispose you to spinal stenosis. Spinal stenosis can cause pain, numbness, burning, aching, sharpness, tingling, or weakness in the legs or arms. Pain is usually decreased when the patient leans forward or sits. Leaning forward increases the space in the spinal canal and will often reduce the pain. Most patients with spinal stenosis will hunch forward while walking as if they are pushing a shopping cart. This bending forward is referred to as “Shopping Cart Sign”. Pain is usually made worse by standing up straight and walking. A MRI is the single best means of diagnosing spinal stenosis.
The easiest way to understand spinal stenosis is to imagine stacking rings or donuts on top of each other. When all the rings or donuts are not aligned the canal gets smaller. When you have a Vertebral Subluxation it throws off the size of the spinal canal. Spinal Stenosis Treatment can include Gonstead Chiropractic Adjustments to restore normal spinal mechanics; High Power Laser Therapy to reduce swelling, spasm, inflammation and healing time; Active Release Technique for chronic muscle tightness and to increase range of motion; Massage; and Ice Therapy to reduce inflammation. Good posture is crucial in maintaining your progress.
