What Is Spinal Stenosis?
It is a degenerative condition caused by changes to the spinal canal. Bone spurs that from on vertebrae decrease the space available for nerves and vessels in the spine. These changes can lead to radiating pain and numbness to the buttock, thigh, or leg particularly during walking or standing for a long time. The pain is relieved when you rest, sit down, or bend forward.
Common Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis
- Lower back pain
- Cramping of buttock and leg muscles
- Weakness or numbness in leg or foot
- Pain in legs that is helped by sitting or bending forward
How Spinal Stenosis Is Diagnosed
To diagnose spinal stenosis, we may ask you about signs and symptoms, discuss your medical history, and conduct a physical examination. If necessary, we may order imaging to help uncover the cause of your leg or back pain - an x-ray of your back can reveal bony changes, such as bone spurs that may be narrowing the space within the spinal canal. An MRI may also be needed to show where the nerves are being compressed.
Treatment Options for Spinal Stenosis
- Chiropractic care
- Acupuncture
- Therapeutic exercise
- Pain medication
- Surgery
Can You See a Chiropractor for Spinal Stenosis?
Absolutely! Our Naperville office is equipped with a specialized table that was designed to provide relief with spinal decompression. Our flexion-distraction table is very safe and ahighly effective. By taking pressure off the spinal discs located between the vertebrae, flexion distraction helps to create more space around the nerves in the spine. Some patients even report immediate relief. Others consider the numbness and pain in their legs to be ‘completely gone’. We also encourage you to be active, as immobility will only accelerate degeneration in the spine.
Acupuncture in our Naperville office is another effective way to alleviate pain and numbness in legs associated with spinal stenosis. The insertion of needles in the areas affected promotes anti-inflammatory effects and helps to reduce pain.
Over the past 25 years, evidence has shown, the use of chiropractic care for the treatment of those with spinal stenosis found that regular chiropractic adjustments, including flexion-distraction manipulation, offered numerous benefits for the 70 subjects of this review.
Why Consider a Chiropractor in Naperville
- Non-invasive: Spinal surgery is a serious operation with a lengthy recovery period. We offer non-invasive alternatives. We can quickly advance your care to a pain specialist or neurosurgeon if needed.
- Safe: Spinal decompression and manipulation is a safe alternative to spine surgery. Many patients and doctors prefer safer solutions.
- Long-term solution: Muscle relaxants or anti-inflammatory medication can address symptoms of spinal stenosis. However, these therapies can cause harm over time. The solutions we offer are an excellent alternative that are safe for long-term use.
If you are in Naperville, and are suffering from pain caused by spinal stenosis, schedule an appointment with us at DuPage Health and Physical Therapy to see what your non-surgical options are today. We are ready to help you feel better.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is spinal stenosis?
Spinal stenosis is a degenerative condition caused by changes to the spinal canal. Bone spurs that form on the vertebrae reduce the space available for nerves and vessels in the spine, which can lead to radiating pain and numbness in the buttock, thigh or leg, particularly when walking or standing for a long time.
What are the common symptoms of spinal stenosis?
Lower back pain, cramping of the buttock and leg muscles, weakness or numbness in the leg or foot, and leg pain that eases when you sit down or bend forward.
How is spinal stenosis diagnosed?
We ask about your signs and symptoms, discuss your medical history and carry out a physical examination. If needed we may order imaging. An x-ray can reveal bony changes such as bone spurs narrowing the spinal canal, and an MRI can show where the nerves are being compressed.
Can you see a chiropractor if you have spinal stenosis?
Yes. Our Naperville office has a flexion-distraction table designed to provide relief through spinal decompression. By taking pressure off the discs between the vertebrae, it helps create more space around the nerves in the spine. We also encourage you to stay active, since immobility accelerates degeneration.
What are the treatment options for spinal stenosis?
Options include chiropractic care, acupuncture, therapeutic exercise, pain medication and surgery. We provide the first three, and can advance your care to a pain specialist or neurosurgeon if that becomes necessary.
Can spinal stenosis be treated without surgery?
Spinal surgery is a serious operation with a lengthy recovery period, and we offer non-invasive alternatives. Spinal decompression and manipulation are a safe alternative that many patients and doctors prefer, and they are suitable for long-term use.
