For many of us, advancing age brings on more than just grey hair and wrinkles. It also surfaces degenerative changes to the spine. It’s not always the aging process. More likely, it’s the cumulative effect of years of neglect.
Spinal stenosis is one such condition. This is a narrowing of the canal housing the spinal cord. In the neck it’s called cervical stenosis. In the lower back lumbar stenosis.
It’s rarely diagnosed before the age of 60.
Narrowing of the spinal canal puts pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots. Which can produce a variety of symptoms.
The symptoms of lumbar stenosis often include lower back pain, leg pain, or numbness. The symptoms of cervical stenosis can be more serious. Besides neck pain, symptoms may include burning and tingling in the hands. Many have problems with walking, balance, and bladder control.
Patients with cervical stenosis often had an injury or trauma to their neck. Whiplash from a car accident is among the most common.
Medical treatment includes medication, physical therapy, injections or surgery. But medication has side effects. Physical therapy merely exercises misaligned spinal joints. Surgery is risky, with little guarantee of success.
Many who have had chiropractic care report improvement from spinal stenosis. Chiropractic care seeks to reduce the underlying cause. Restoring spinal alignment and proper curves may reduce spinal stenosis. It’s an approach that’s all natural and non-invasive.
If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms of spinal stenosis, see a chiropractor. Remember, chiropractic first, drugs second and surgery last.