What is Spinal Stenosis?

Spinal stenosis is a condition where the spinal canal, the space within the spine that houses the spinal cord and nerves, gradually narrows. This narrowing can lead to pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots, which can cause a range of symptoms.

Types of Spinal Stenosis:

• Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: Occurs in the lower back and is the most common type. It can cause pain, weakness, or numbness that radiates from the lower back into the legs and feet.

• Cervical Spinal Stenosis: Occurs in the neck region and can lead to symptoms in the arms and hands, as well as difficulties with balance and coordination.

Symptoms:

• Pain: Often felt in the lower back, and may radiate into the legs or buttocks.

• Weakness or Numbness: May occur in the legs or feet, making it difficult to walk or stand for extended periods.

• Cramping or Tingling: Often described as "pins and needles" in the legs or feet.

Reference:

Kotecha, A., & Reddy, C. (2020). "Current Concepts in the Management of Spinal Stenosis." Journal of Clinical Neuroscience, 73, 1-7.

Common Causes of Spinal Stenosis

Degenerative Changes:

• Description: As we age, the spine undergoes natural wear and tear. This can lead to:

  • Disc Degeneration: The intervertebral discs lose hydration and elasticity, leading to reduced disc height and increased stress on the spine.

  • Bone Spurs: Also known as osteophytes, these bony growths can form on the vertebrae and encroach on the spinal canal.

  • Ligament Thickening: The ligaments in the spine, particularly the ligamentum flavum, can thicken over time, further narrowing the spinal canal.

Herniated Discs:

• Description: When the soft inner material of a spinal disc (nucleus pulposus) bulges out through a tear in the outer layer (annulus fibrosus), it can push into the spinal canal. This bulging disc can put pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots, contributing to stenosis.

Spinal Injuries:

• Description: Trauma or injuries to the spine, such as fractures or dislocations, can cause structural changes or scar tissue formation. These changes can narrow the spinal canal and lead to stenosis over time.

Reference:

Kalichman, L., & Hunter, D. J. (2021). "Spinal Stenosis: Diagnosis and Management." Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine, 14(2), 210-219.

Best Treatments for Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis occurs when the spaces within your spine narrow, putting pressure on the nerves. This can cause pain, numbness, or weakness, especially in the back and legs. The best treatments for spinal stenosis often involve a combination of therapies:

• Chiropractic Care: Chiropractic adjustments can help improve spinal alignment and reduce nerve compression, offering relief from pain and improving mobility.

• Myofascial Therapy: This hands-on therapy focuses on releasing tightness in the muscles and connective tissues (fascia) around the spine, helping to reduce pain and improve movement.

• Exercise: A regular exercise program, tailored to your needs, can strengthen the muscles around the spine, improve flexibility, and reduce symptoms. Exercises often focus on stretching, strengthening, and improving posture.

• Education: Understanding your condition is key. Education about spinal stenosis, proper body mechanics, and lifestyle changes can empower you to manage symptoms effectively and prevent them from getting worse.

Combining these approaches can provide significant relief and help you maintain a more active lifestyle. If conservative treatment is unsuccessful, there are surgical options.

Reference:

Ammendolia, C., et al. (2017). "Nonoperative treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis with neurogenic claudication: a systematic review." Spine, 42(14), E833-E840.

Best Exercises for Spinal Stenosis

Regular exercise can help relieve symptoms and improve mobility. Here are some of the best exercises for managing spinal stenosis:

1. Walking: Gentle walking is great for improving circulation and keeping your spine flexible. Start with short distances and gradually increase as you feel comfortable.

2. Pelvic Tilts: Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Tighten your stomach muscles and gently push your lower back into the floor. Hold for a few seconds, then relax. This helps strengthen your core and support your spine.

3. Knee-to-Chest Stretch: Lie on your back with your knees bent. Bring one knee up toward your chest, holding it with both hands, and hold for 15-30 seconds. Repeat with the other leg. This stretch helps relieve pressure on the lower back.

4. Cat-Cow Stretch: Start on your hands and knees. Arch your back up like a cat and then slowly lower it, letting your belly drop toward the floor (like a cow). This exercise helps keep your spine flexible.

5. Seated Forward Bend: Sit on a chair with your feet flat on the floor. Slowly bend forward, reaching toward the floor or your feet, and hold the stretch. This can help open up the spaces in your spine.

Always check with your healthcare provider before starting any new exercise program, especially if you have spinal stenosis, to ensure these exercises are safe and appropriate for your condition.

Reference:

Kreiner, D. S., et al. (2020). "Evidence-Based Clinical Guidelines for Multidisciplinary Spine Care: Diagnosis and Treatment of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis." The Spine Journal, 20(8), 967-984.

How Can We Help You?

At our clinic, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive care to help you find relief from your MSK pain and discomfort. Our approach to treatment is tailored to meet your individual health needs and includes a combination of Chiropractic Treatment, Exercise Therapy, Myofascial Therapy, Dry Needling and Patient Education (NRE).

What If We Cannot Help You?

While we strive to deliver the best possible outcomes utilising our specialist services, we understand that some cases may require additional intervention. If your condition does not improve as expected or if we believe that another approach might be more appropriate, we can:

• Refer You to Your GP: We will coordinate with your General Practitioner to ensure you receive the appropriate medical evaluation and care.

• Recommend Diagnostic Imaging: If necessary, we may suggest diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays or MRI scans, to get a clearer understanding of your condition and inform the next steps in your treatment.

• Refer You to a Specialist: In cases where specialised care is needed, we will refer you to a trusted specialist to ensure you receive the most effective treatment.

Our commitment is to your health and well-being, and we will guide you every step of the way to ensure you receive the care that’s right for you.