Spinal Stenosis
Neck and Lower back conditions can be painful. Visit us at our centers at Etobicoke, Mississauga and ClarksonGO for a quick assessment for your neck or lower back pain conditions.
What is Spinal Stenosis?
Spinal stenosis is a condition characterized by the narrowing of the spinal canal, which is the open space in the center of the vertebrae through which the spinal cord and nerves pass. The narrowing of the spinal canal can put pressure on the spinal cord and the nerve roots, leading to a variety of symptoms.
There are two main types of spinal stenosis:
Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: This type affects the lower back and is the most common form of spinal stenosis. It occurs when the spinal canal in the lumbar (lower) region narrows, compressing the nerves that travel from the lower back down to the legs. This can cause pain, weakness, tingling, and numbness in the legs and buttocks.
Cervical Spinal Stenosis: This type affects the neck area (cervical spine). It happens when the spinal canal in the neck region becomes narrowed, leading to compression of the spinal cord and nerve roots. Symptoms may include neck pain, weakness, numbness, and problems with coordination or balance.
The causes of spinal stenosis can vary. Common reasons include:
- Degenerative Changes in the Spine: As people age, the discs between the vertebrae may wear down, leading to the narrowing of the spinal canal.
- Herniated Discs: Discs can bulge or herniation, causing pressure on the nerves.
- Thickened Ligaments: Ligaments that support the spine may become thicker and encroach on the spinal canal.
- Bone Spurs: Overgrowth of bone due to arthritis can reduce the available space in the spinal canal.
- Spinal injuries or trauma.
Symptoms of spinal stenosis can range from mild to severe and may include back or neck pain, leg or arm pain, weakness, numbness, and difficulty walking or maintaining balance. The symptoms often worsen over time, and they can be aggravated by activities like walking or standing.
Treatment for spinal stenosis depends on the severity of the condition and the specific symptoms experienced by the individual. First step is always a thorough examination from Best physiotherapy or a Chiropractor who will perform a comprehensive examination to find impairments,which will allow them to prepare tailor made best therapeutic solutions for it.
What are some of the common causes of Spinal Stenosis?
Here are all common causes of spinal stenosis:
- Degenerative Disc Disease: As people age, the intervertebral discs between the vertebrae can degenerate, lose water content, and become less flexible. This can lead to the narrowing of the spinal canal.
- Herniated Discs: A herniated or bulging disc occurs when the soft, gel-like center of a spinal disc pushes through the tough outer layer and compresses nearby nerves or the spinal cord.
- Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is a condition characterized by the breakdown of cartilage in the joints. In the spine, it can lead to the formation of bone spurs (osteophytes) that encroach upon the spinal canal.
- Ligamentum Flavum Hypertrophy: The ligamentum flavum is a strong ligament that connects the vertebrae in the spine. With age or due to certain conditions, it can become thickened or hypertrophied, leading to stenosis.
- Spinal Injuries or Trauma: Accidents or injuries that cause fractures or dislocations of the spine can sometimes result in spinal stenosis.
- Congenital Spinal Stenosis: Some people may be born with a smaller spinal canal, which increases their risk of developing symptoms later in life.
- Paget's Disease: Paget's disease of bone is a chronic condition where the bone remodeling process is disrupted, leading to the development of weak, misshapen, and enlarged bones. This can contribute to spinal stenosis.
- Tumors: Abnormal growths within the spinal canal or near the spine can compress the nerves or spinal cord, causing stenosis.
- Ankylosing Spondylitis: This is a type of inflammatory arthritis that primarily affects the spine, leading to inflammation, pain, and potential fusion of the vertebrae, which can contribute to stenosis.
- Spinal Infections: Infections of the spine can lead to inflammation, swelling, and tissue damage that can narrow the spinal canal.
How can physiotherapy and chiropractic care help in Spinal Stenosis?
Physiotherapy and chiropractic care can play a significant role in managing spinal stenosis, especially when symptoms are mild to moderate. These non-invasive treatments focus on improving mobility, reducing pain, and enhancing the overall function of the spine. Here's how physiotherapy and chiropractic care can help in spinal stenosis:
Posture Correction: Correcting posture is essential in managing spinal stenosis. Physiotherapists and chiropractors can educate patients about proper body mechanics and ergonomics to maintain better spinal alignment, which will reduce symptoms and prevent further progression of the condition.
Decompression Techniques: At Alleviate, chiropractors and physiotherapists offer decompression therapy, which involves gently stretching/traction to the spine to create space between the vertebrae. This helps to relieve pressure on the nerves and spinal cord.
Assistive Devices: Physiotherapists can recommend and teach patients to use assistive devices like braces or supports to stabilize the spine and reduce discomfort during specific activities. Read more about custom braces.
It's important to note that physiotherapy and chiropractic care may not reverse the narrowing of the spinal canal, but they can help manage symptoms, improve function, and potentially slow down the progression of the condition. The effectiveness of these treatments can vary from person to person.
Physiotherapy is the first line of defense for all neck and spine conditions. At Alleviate Physiotherapy, our goal is to help clients relieve pain, improve mobility, and prevent a re-injury. We believe in personalized treatment plans that take into account our client’s specific needs and goals for them to lead a pain free life, with better mobility.
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