Spinal Stenosis: What Is It And How Can A Fremont Chiropractor Help?
Spinal stenosis means a narrowing of the spinal canal. This is where the spinal cord and nerves are located. The narrowing causes pinching in the spinal nerves. It can occur in the lower back or the neck. The resulting pain can often be felt in the legs when the pinch is in the lower back, and in the shoulders and arms when it is in the neck. Brainard Chiropractic in Fremont knows how to treat this pain.
Spinal Stenosis Causes
Osteoarthritis is the most common culprit. Wear and tear causes the spinal cord to narrow. Additionally, ligaments grown thick with time and dried out or bulging discs can cause such narrowing. Auto or sporting injuries can cause stenosis, as well.
Spinal Stenosis Symptoms
The neck region is called the cervical spine. Symptoms of spinal stenosis include numbness, tingling, or weakness in the neck, arm, hand, leg, or foot. Sufferers may not be able to walk easily and/or have balance troubles.
The lower back is called the lumbar spine. Symptoms here include numbness, tingling, or soreness in the leg or foot, and/or cramping in the legs.
Spinal Stenosis Treatment
A medical doctor usually prescribes steroids to ease the inflammation while prescribing exercises to strengthen the muscles surrounding and supporting the spine. Exercise is always good for the body, so a chiropractor might do the same.
While there is no cure for spinal stenosis, your Fremont chiropractor knows a few ways to help. Sufferers should understand that once stenosis is present, it won't go away. The advancement of the condition can, however, be slowed.
Improving range of motion and making room for the nerves to transmit messages to the brain are the main focus of treatment. Posture counts as well. Discomfort makes people hunch over. This may ease the soreness for a time, but it adversely affects the upper and lower back, causing yet more discomfort.
Your doctor of chiropractic will perform an adjustment by gently placing pressure on the affected area. He will suggest lifestyle changes and exercises that will help ease the discomfort and strengthen the core muscles.
What Patients Can Do
Outside exercises, patients can use hot and/or cold compresses to relieve discomfort. If overweight, then losing the weight can take pressure off the area. Over the counter anti-inflammatory medications are helpful for easing the soreness of spinal stenosis. Using a walker or a cane for support will aid in achieving balance as well as providing comfort if patients bend forward to ease the discomfort.
Ongoing treatment at Brainard Chiropractic is the only way to keep the problem under control. Call today for an appointment.
Source
https://www.mayoclinic.org/dis...
https://www.rheumatology.org/I...
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