Under Pressure: Spinal Stenosis

Our spinal cord is the information superhighway of our body! Essential messages are transferred from the brain to the body through this superhighway. Our spinal cord requires space to allow the right nutrients to send and receive these messages. Spinal stenosis occurs when there is a narrowing of this space compressing either one or both of the nerves and spinal cord.

When we lose proper alignment in our spine, either due to life long stressors or a major incident, the spine can start to degenerate. This degeneration leads to a decrease in the cushioning and function of the tissues in the spinal area. The ligaments that support your vertebrae, the bones in your spine can thicken and harden. When the spine is out of proper alignment it is unstable and the body feels that it needs to stabilize the area by laying down extra bone known as bone spurs. These can cause pressure on the spinal cord and the nerves exiting your spine. The compression of the nerve and blood supply from the narrowed space leads to this pain.

Most commonly the pain is in the affected area of the back or neck and can radiate to the area where those nerves flow. Other symptoms are headaches, neck pain, lower back pain, and hand clumsiness. It is most easy to confuse Spinal Stenosis with a herniated disc. Both conditions can exist at the same time but there are some symptoms that can help your doctor distinguish between the two. While walking tends to ease the pain of a disc problem, it usually makes stenosis increase in pain. Sitting bending, lifting and sneezing generally aggravate disc problems. When someone with a disc problem leans forward it can alleviate the symptoms but usually patients with stenosis get an electric shock sensation when leaning forward.

Stenosis can be congenital or acquired. The article is referring to acquired stenosis which is a condition has developed over time. Most sources show that symptoms start in the 40-50th year of life and are most common in the 50+ age group. About 60,000 people annually over the age of 60 are diagnosed with Spinal Stenosis. This condition most commonly occurs in the lumbar (lower back) and cervical (neck region) spine. Occasionally, this condition has also been known to develop after spinal surgery due the scar tissue formed in the area.

Spinal Stenosis can be diagnosed on a simple x-ray. Sometime your doctor might perform a CT to tell if bone or ligaments are causing the problem. MRI is the newest imaging technology to help in seeing this condition and is a great tool.

There are many treatment options for individuals with Spinal Stenosis. Most patients can be treated non-surgically. Some people choose to take NSAIDS or steroid injections to cover up the pain. Physical therapy exercises including proper positioning for moving and lifting can help individuals balance their muscular system. Chiropractic care realigns the vertebra in the spine which takes the pressure off the nerves so the body can function more normally again. By providing specific adjustments to the affected joints chiropractors reduce the pain and disability of chronic back pain caused by stenosis. The bony changes that have built up through our lives may stay the same, but the function of the nerves can improve significantly with chiropractic care.

A case study in JMPT (May 2001) reported on a male with lower back pain and leg pain on both sides due to stenosis in his lower back. He underwent chiropractic care and found significant improvement with only an initial course of care. His improvement was maintained at a 5 month check-up!

Chiropractors can get excellent results providing relief for many different patients. If you haven't given safe and effective chiropractic care a try, there is no reason to keep suffering any longer. We are specifically trained to work with your spine, nervous system, and all the nerves in your body. It is time to start enjoying life again.

By: Dr. Jill Aardema