Back Pain from Spinal Stenosis

 

Back pain is becoming more and more common in our society, affecting 8 out 10 Adults some time in their lives.  One reason for back pain is from a condition called spinal stenosis.  The definition of Spinal Stenosis is:  narrowing of one or more of the areas of the spine (usually the lower back) that can pinch or put pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots that exit the spine.  There many causes of spinal stenosis.  Some people are born with it.  Others develop it usually after age 50 either with a herniated or bulging disc or a form of arthritis that thins out the space between the vertebras and develops a bony growth also knows as a spur that can put direct pressure on th e nerves.

 

Because you have spinal stenosis does not mean that you have symptoms; however some common symptoms that do occur are low back pain, neck pain, pain and numbness radiating into the arms and legs, difficulty walking and others.

 

If you have back pain and other related symptoms and you have been diagnosed with spinal stenosis through x-ray, CAT scan or and MRI then you have a few choices.  The traditional method is to use injections to try to limit inflammation, and physical therapy and exercise to help support the structures.  If those do not work then there are a few surgeries.  I am a firm believer in starting to take care of your body.  If you are a smoker, it speeds up the degeneration process, so smoking must be stopped first.  Regular exercises helps to strengthen the supporting muscles of the back and abdomen.  Adding supplements to your diet to help the body in eliminating toxins and inflammat ion.  Trivita.com has some great products.  Last but not least talk to a chiropractor about setting up a treatment plan that will not only help to relieve your back pain and other symptoms but provide a rehabilitation program to support the adjacent muscles and ligaments and to help eliminate future problems.

 

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