Spinal Stenosis: A Common Cause of Back Pain

If you are experiencing back pain, it’s important to get checked out by a doctor. Many people think that back pain is just a part of getting older, but this isn’t always the case. One common cause of low back pain is spinal stenosis, a disorder that can cause pain and numbness anywhere along the spine. In this blog post, we will discuss the symptoms and treatment options for spinal stenosis.

What is Spinal Stenosis?

Spinal stenosis is a condition where the spinal canal or vertebral foramen becomes narrowed, which can place pressure on the nerves that run along the spine. This narrowing of the spinal canal or vertebral foramen can be caused by bone spurs, herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, tumors, or any other structure that reduces the space available for the nerves to travel. Some people with spinal stenosis have no symptoms. Others may experience pain, tingling, numbness and muscle weakness. Symptoms can get worse over time.

The most common cause of spinal stenosis is wear-and-tear changes in the spine related to arthritis. People who have severe cases of spinal stenosis may need surgery.

Surgery can create more space inside the spine. This can ease the symptoms caused by pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. But surgery can’t cure arthritis, so arthritis pain in the spine may continue.

Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis

The most common symptom of spinal stenosis is pain. It can range from a dull ache to sharp, burning pain that radiates down the legs. However, most patients with spinal stenosis experience:

• Pain and irritation that slowly develops in one or more regions of the spine
• Numbness and tingling in the back, shoulders, hips, or legs
• Radiating sensations down the limbs
• Weakness and cramping in the muscles
• Symptoms that worsen upon use or activity

Treatment Options for Spinal Stenosis

The most common treatment option for spinal stenosis is lifestyle modifications such as avoiding activities that put pressure on the spine, stretching and strengthening exercises to support the spine, and maintaining a healthy weight to reduce pressure on the spine. Other treatments at Texas Spine and Sports Therapy Center include:

• Chiropractic adjustment that can release pressure on the nerves and realign your vertebrae
• Muscle manipulation through massage to reduce inflammation that is compressing an area
• Lumbar traction treatments to gentle stretch apart compressed sections of the spine
• Guided stretching and physical therapy exercises
• Inflammation injections to stop pain right at the source
• Cervical and lumbar decompression.
• Referrals for additional treatments if you are diagnosed with a chronic illness like rheumatoid arthritis

In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to decompress the spinal canal.

At Home Care

In addition to the treatments provided by Texas Spine and Sports Therapy Center, there are a few things you can do at home to care for your spinal stenosis:

• Practice good posture, as this can help reduce pressure on the spine.
• Maintain an active lifestyle with regular exercise that incorporates stretching and strength training.
• Use ice or heat to reduce pain, inflammation and muscle spasms.
• Practice relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation and deep breathing.
• Eat a healthy diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
• Avoid activities that could cause further injury or aggravate your symptoms.

Getting Help

If you are experiencing back pain, tingling and numbness in your extremities, it is important to get the right diagnosis and treatment. Texas Spine and Sports Therapy Center offers comprehensive treatment plans for spinal stenosis that can help you find relief from your symptoms. Our team of experienced providers will work with you to create a personalized plan so you can live a life free from pain. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you.

Contact Us Today!

If you are experiencing back pain and think it may be caused by spinal stenosis, contact the Texas Spine and Sports Therapy Center today to arrange an appointment. Our experienced team will evaluate your condition and create a personalized treatment plan so you can find relief and get back to living your life. Don’t suffer in silence, contact us today! We look forward to helping you find a solution that works for you.