Spinal Stenosis

SPINAL STENOSIS

What is Spinal Stenosis?

Stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal. When this occurs it will often pressure the nerves that travel through the spine. Spinal stenosis can develop in any area of the spine. However, it will most often occur in the neck.

There are two types of spinal stenosis. They are classified by where the condition occurs. Although not common, it is also possible to have more than one type. The two main types are:

• Cervical Stenosis. This condition occurs at the narrowing part of the spine, in your neck.
• Lumbar Stenosis. In this condition, there is also narrowing, however, it occurs in the lower back.

Degenerative changes in the spine are the most common cause. In fact, the degenerative changes that occur are due to osteoarthritis. Stenosis can be cured through conservative methods. However, surgery may be recommended also in severe cases.

Are You a Candidate for DRX9000 Spinal Decompression?

Spinal stenosis by itself is not an indication for non-surgical spinal decompression. However, many patients diagnosed with stenosis also have a herniated disc, a bulging disc, or degenerative disc disease – conditions the DRX9000 is FDA-cleared to treat. Steven Cantor DC reviews your MRI or X-ray to determine whether DRX9000 spinal decompression therapy is appropriate for your case. Call 1 (855) 487-4633 to schedule an evaluation.

Common Questions About Spinal Stenosis

What are the early signs of spinal stenosis?

In the lower back, the classic early sign is leg pain, heaviness or cramping that comes on with walking or standing and eases within a few minutes of sitting or leaning forward over a counter or shopping cart. In the neck, early signs are more often clumsiness of the hands, numbness in the fingers or a change in balance. Back or neck pain may be surprisingly mild in both cases.

Does spinal stenosis get worse over time?

The narrowing itself is usually a gradual, age-related process and tends to progress slowly. Symptoms, however, do not follow a straight line, and many people have long stable periods. Progression is monitored by what you can do, particularly how far you can walk before symptoms start, rather than by the appearance of a single scan.

Can spinal stenosis be treated without surgery?

In many cases, yes. Conservative care focuses on improving tolerance for activity through targeted rehabilitation, positional strategies, chiropractic care and, where indicated, image-guided injections to reduce inflammation around the compressed nerves. Surgery is generally reserved for stenosis with progressive neurological loss or disability that has not responded to a proper course of conservative treatment.

What should I avoid if I have spinal stenosis?

Sustained extension of the spine, for example prolonged standing, walking downhill or overhead work, tends to narrow the canal further and provoke symptoms. Slightly flexed positions usually relieve them. Rather than avoiding activity altogether, which weakens the muscles that support the spine, it is better to build tolerance in positions your spine handles well.

Is DRX9000 spinal decompression appropriate for spinal stenosis?

Sometimes, and it depends on the cause of the narrowing. The DRX9000 is FDA cleared for herniated discs, bulging discs, degenerative disc disease and posterior facet syndrome, so it may be considered when a disc bulge or a collapsed disc space is contributing to the narrowing. Stenosis caused mainly by bony overgrowth, or accompanied by instability, is a different problem and may not be suitable. That decision is made in person by Steven Cantor DC.

Related Conditions and Treatment

• Lumbar Spinal Stenosis – canal narrowing in the lower back.
• Cervical Stenosis – canal narrowing in the neck.
• Herniated Disc – the complete guide to herniated disc symptoms, causes and treatment.
• Degenerative Disc Disease – age-related drying and thinning of the spinal discs.
• DRX9000 Spinal Decompression – our non-surgical treatment for disc conditions.