Lower back pain can be a disabling condition and has become the second most common reason that patients visit a physician.

Recent research has attempted to segregate the lower back pain population into specific subcategories in an attempt to match the most appropriate treatments with conditions and improve outcomes. Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is a clinical pathology categorized as a lower back pain condition and is often encountered in older adults.  Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is caused by age-related degenerative changes in older adults and is a leading cause of pain, disability and loss of independence. LSS is also the most common reason for spinal surgery in older adults.

The most common area people experience canal narrowing is in the lower back. These individuals may experience the following symptoms:

• Numbness, tingling, or pain in legs and feet
• Leg cramping
• Loss of sexual function
• abnormal bladder and bowel function
• Pain when walking
• Often find relief when sitting or leaning forward

Spinal stenosis of the neck is less common but can be far more dangerous. These individuals may experience all of the symptoms associated with the narrowing of the lower back, plus the following symptoms:

• Radiating pain, weakness or numbness, and tingling of the arms and hands
• Body weakness
• Partial paralysis
• Complete paralysis

Chiropractic Treatment for Spinal Stenosis

Can chiropractic care help people with spinal stenosis?  The short answer is yes! One of the biggest reasons to regularly visit your chiropractor when you have spinal stenosis, is to prevent it from becoming worse. It’s not easy to reverse the damage associated with this condition, but your chiropractor may slow the progression.

Generally speaking, chiropractic care focuses on maintaining proper alignment so that your joints will function properly and your nervous system can transmit messages without interruption.  As a result, your body can function as it was intended.

After diagnosis, your chiropractor may apply gentle adjustments to help restore range of motion and to provide enough space for the nervous system to transmit messages. Alignment may also help weight distribution of the spine to return back to normal function.

With better joint function and proper nerve transmission, the pain is reduced and activities can be increased.

If you or someone you love suffers with spinal stenosis, then Health 1st should be your FIRST call.  Talk to us today