What To Do For Spinal Stenosis Pain

When openings in the spine allowing spinal nerves to travel away from the spine into different areas of the body become abnormally narrow, nerves may suffer compression, irritation and inflammation. Occurring mostly in the neck and lower back, spinal stenosis is usually attributed to wear and tear, osteoarthritis or a combination of both. Seen more frequently in people over 50, spinal stenosis may develop from spinal arthritis and increased risk of bone spurs forming around spine openings.

Causes and Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis

If your parents or grandparents have been diagnosed with spinal stenosis, you may be at risk for suffering spinal stenosis.  Heavy back use associated with work or athletic demands also increase the possibility of spinal stenosis affecting the spine.

Additional causes of spinal stenosis involve:

• Spinal arthritis
• Paget disease or other bone disease
• Congenital defect of the spine
• Herniated disk
• Injury that irritated the spinal cord or nerve roots
• Spinal tumors

Symptoms of spinal stenosis include: 

• Back pain, cramping and numbness.
• Pain and numbness in the thighs, buttocks, shoulders and neck
• Weakness in the arms and legs
• Problems with balance and equilibrium
• Periodic incontinence (in progressive cases)

Symptoms of spinal stenosis tend to worsen upon standing or walking. Sitting down or leaning forward may ease pain and muscle cramps. Severe spinal stenosis often prevents affected people from walking without using a walker or cane.

Diagnosing and Treating Spinal Stenosis

Symptoms never go away on their own and typically worsen unless treatment is received. At the S.M.A.R.T. Spine Institute and Surgery Center, our doctors give each patient a thorough physical examination, have them perform a series of coordinated movements (walking, bending, lifting the legs) to determine severity of the condition and test reflexes (nerve functioning) using a rubber hammer. Further testing to determine if spinal stenosis exists may be required, such as X-rays of the spine, spinal CTs or MRIs and an electromyography (EMG).

Our integrated medical clinic employs a number of treatment methods for addressing spinal stenosis. We can help ease spinal stenosis pain without medications or surgery by employing spinal manipulations and adjustments, soft tissue massage, acupuncture, cool laser therapy and spinal decompression therapy. By precisely massaging and stimulating the spine and associated tissues, a licensed chiropractor can move vertebrae back into their proper positions to minimize nerve compression and help reduce back pain.

Learn More about Spinal Stenosis Treatment in Arcadia, CA

As a leading integrated medical clinic serving the San Gabriel Valley in Arcadia, CA, the S.M.A.R.T. Spine Institute and Surgery Center treats a complete range of acute and chronic pain conditions, including knee and shoulder injuries, slipped discs, arthritis and pinched nerves. Call our center at 626-445-0326 today to learn more about how we can help you manage painful muscle, joint and bone conditions without the need for surgery.