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Help……..For Spinal Stenosis

By January 13, 2016April 23rd, 2016No Comments

Spinal stenosis is a unique condition that is associated with arthritis of the spine. The term stenosis means “narrowing,” and it applies to two locations in the spine: 1) The holes through which the nerves in our neck and back exit out of the sides of the spine (called “intervertebral foramen” or, IVF); and, 2) The “spinal canal” through which the spinal cord travels. When narrowing occurs on the sides of the spine where the nerves exit, it is called “lateral spinal stenosis.” When the spinal canal narrows it is called “central spinal stenosis.” Our spinal cord starts up in the neck as an extension off the brain stem and usually ends at the junction between the middle and lower back (around T12/L1) with the “cauda equina” (which literally means, “horses tail”) and extends downward. The cauda equina is made up of many nerves that travel down and- exit out the sides of the lumbar (through the IVF’s) and sacrum (tail bone) and transfer information (motor and sensory) to and from our legs and brain. When the size of the canal through which these nerves travel, close down or narrow enough, sufferers will initially start feeling vague symptoms of leg heaviness or fatigue after walking for thirty or more minutes. As years pass and the IVF’s or central canal become gradually more narrow, it may get to the point where a person can only walk a short distance because their legs, “…just won’t move.”  A classic complaint of SS (spinal stenosis) is only being able to walk for four to five minutes prior to needing to sit down for 30 seconds to a few minutes (usually five minutes at the most) after which time the leg complaints resolve and the process repeats itself. When the nerves are compressed in these tight canals and the legs become heavy and hard to move, the term , “neurogenic claudication” is used. Another “classic” finding of SS is that RELIEF occurs when the patient bends forward, such as on a grocery cart or, simply stopping and bending over can be immediately relieving in many cases.

Chiropractic adjustments and other techniques are often very helpful in these cases if it not too far advanced. The good news is that chiropractic usually helps, so prior to considering surgery or injections for this, give chiropractic a try. Chiropractic is less invasive and safer and we can always refer you to the next step if the condition becomes too advanced and/or if the results become less satisfying.

Call: 973-668-8928 For a Complimentary Consultation

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