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Spine Plus

Spinal Stenosis, Causes, Treatments and Management.

Mar 28, 2023 | News | 0 comments

Spinal stenosis is a condition that occurs when the spaces within the spine narrow, putting pressure on the spinal cord and or nerves. This can cause pain, numbness, weakness, and other symptoms that can affect a person’s quality of life. In this article, we will explore the causes, symptoms, treatments, and management of spinal stenosis.

Causes of Spinal Stenosis:

Spinal stenosis can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

  1. Age: As we age, the ligaments that support the spine can thicken and calcify, causing spinal stenosis.
  2. Arthritis: Arthritis can cause the growth of bone spurs that narrow the spinal canal and foramena.
  3. Herniated Discs: Herniated discs can put pressure on the spinal cord or nerves, leading to spinal stenosis.
  4. Poor Posture: Postural faults may compound the other causes of spinal stenosis, for example and over arched curve in the lower back can cause further narrowing on the spaces through which the spinal nerves pass.
  5. Trauma: Trauma, such as a car accident or a fall, can cause spinal stenosis.
  6. Congenital Defects: Some people are born with a narrow spinal canal, which can lead to spinal stenosis.

 

Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis:

The symptoms of spinal stenosis can vary depending on the location of the stenosis and the severity of the condition. Common symptoms include:

  1. Pain: Pain can be felt in the neck, back, or legs, depending on the location of the stenosis.
  2. Numbness or Tingling: Numbness or tingling can be felt in the legs, arms, or torso, often brought on by exercises.
  3. Weakness: Weakness can occur in the legs or arms, making it difficult to walk or perform daily activities.
  4. Loss of Bladder or Bowel Control: In severe cases, spinal stenosis can lead to loss of bladder or bowel control.

 

Treatments for Spinal Stenosis:

  1. Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
  2. Corrective Exercise Advice: Specific exercises can help improve flexibility, strength, posture and mobility, which can alleviate symptoms of spinal stenosis.
  3. Electro & Manual Therapy: Certain treatment modalities may help alleviate the symptoms and or causes of spinal stenosis, At Spine Plus Clinics we offer TECAR therapy for reducing inflammation in the spinal canal, ligaments and discs, and IDD (Spinal Decompression) Therapy to treat herniated, protruding and bulging discs which can contribute to spinal stenosis.
  4. Steroid Injections: Steroid injections can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
  5. Surgery: Surgery may be necessary in severe cases of spinal stenosis to remove the source of pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.

 

Management of Spinal Stenosis:

  1. Exercise: Regular exercise can help improve flexibility, strength, and mobility, which can alleviate symptoms of spinal stenosis.
  2. Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce pressure on the spine and relieve symptoms of spinal stenosis.
  3. Good Posture: Good posture can help relieve pressure on the spine and alleviate symptoms of spinal stenosis.
  4. Assistive Devices: Assistive devices, such as a cane or walker, can help improve balance and mobility, making it easier to perform daily activities.

 

Conclusion

In conclusion, spinal stenosis can be a debilitating condition that can affect a person’s quality of life. However, with the right treatments and management strategies, many people with spinal stenosis can live full and active lives. If you are experiencing symptoms of spinal stenosis, it is determine the best course of treatment for your individual needs. If want to want to be considered for one of the non surgical specialist treatments we offer at our clinics such as IDD Therapy or TECAR Therapy, or want our help with putting you in touch with one of recommended surgeon we work with give the team a call at one of our clinics (addresses and tel. no.s at the bottom of this page).

Spine Plus Clinics

Our Chigwell Clinic: Spine Plus Chigwell, 2a Oak Lodge Ave, Chigwell, Essex, IG7 5HZ, Tel: +44 (0) 208 501 0937

Our Woodford Clinic: Spine Plus Woodford, 5 Jubilee Market, Woodford Green, IG8 7BZ 5HZ, Tel: +44 (0) 208 506 1000

Our Hornchurch Osteopath Clinic: Spine Plus Hornchurch, 128 North Street, Emerson Park, Hornchurch, RM11 1SU, Tel: +44 (0) 1708 472219

Our Bow Clinic: Spine Plus Bow, 369a Roman Road, Bow, London, E3 5QR, +44 (0) 208 980 9664