Patients with lumbar spinal stenosis are commonly recognized by a bent-forward, shuffling posture and a small-step gait. Stenosis is one of the most common reasons for spinal surgery in older people. Surgery, however, is a major procedure that is recommended only when conservative methods of care are not effective.

Stenosis is created by the narrowing of the spinal canal by mechanical problems or by abnormalities in the aging spine, such as thickened ligaments, degenerative changes, vertebral fractures or dislocations. The stenosis can also be caused by expanding infection, abscess, a congenital anomaly, or a spinal cord tumor.

Stenosis may lead to symptoms of low back pain, limping, and lack of feeling in the legs. Stenosis is often a degenerative condition that can be around for years without causing pain or discomfort. Oftentimes, a fall or accident triggers the stenotic pain.

Spinal stenosis can be diagnosed based on the history of symptoms, a physical examination, and imaging tests. An MRI is a very poor predictor of future disability in stenosis. An electrodiagnostic study is more dependable for information on a stenotic spine.

There are three basic treatment approaches to spinal stenosis: the conservative medical approach, which frequently involves bed rest, analgesics, local heat and muscle relaxants; the conservative chiropractic approach, which includes adjustments, exercise and self-care techniques; and surgery. The source of stenosis often dictates the treatment.

Recent studies show that although stenosis surgery will often have good results up to two years, in the long run, outcomes are about the same between surgery and conservative care. Surgery is a complicated procedure that irreversibly changes the structure of the back.

In many mild and moderate cases of stenosis, conservative care such as chiropractic can help lessen pain and discomfort, maintain joint mobility, and allow the patient to keep a reasonable lifestyle. Home exercises designed to mobilize the involved nerves have been found to be helpful.

Stenosis is a chronic condition that cannot be cured, but it often can be improved and maintained over the long term.

For more information, contact Dr. Wendy at haydenhealth@gmail.com.