Spinal Stenosis may cause neck and lower back pain due to the narrowing of your spine, placing pressure on nerves. While there is no cure for spinal stenosis, there are treatments that provide some relief from symptoms. Symptoms of spinal stenosis: Some individuals with spinal stenosis do not experience any symptoms. However, others may experience worsening symptoms over time such as pain, tingling, numbness, and weakness. Your spinal stenosis and the location of any symptoms will depend on where they originate. Cervical stenosis occurs closest to your neck, while lumbar stenosis is the most common type, occurring in your lower back. Dr. Chris Lilja from St. Paul Chiropractic and Natural Medicine Center believes that tight muscles and shifting spine nerves are the major culprits behind tension, pain, and pressure. These can all contribute to discomfort for patients.
Chiropractic Care For Spinal Stenosis
A chiropractor may be your best option to help with spinal stenosis. Chiropractic treatment addresses both the symptoms and cause of the condition to promote long-term wellness. In many cases, relief can be provided without the need for medication or surgery. A comprehensive report of findings, x-rays, or other diagnostic procedures, along with a thorough patient history and additional x-rays are often the foundations of an effective care plan. Therapeutic exercise is another option available to those who can participate. By combining care, your chiropractor can treat spinal dysfunction naturally and address both the spinal cord and nerves – potentially alleviating symptoms associated with spinal stenosis.
Exercise For Spinal Stenosis
Your chiropractor may prescribe exercises to do at home to treat your spinal stenosis symptoms. These elements can improve flexibility and physical strength as well as give back lost mobility due to severe symptoms caused by spinal stenosis. Avoid placing undue strain on your spine by engaging in exercises that put strain on it. Instead, focus on strengthening those parts of your body that can support and stabilize your spine.
Core strengthening programs are another option to consider if you have spinal stenosis. With gentle twists, lunges, and planks, you can strengthen your core and hips so that the stress from daily life is processed through muscles rather than your spine – providing great protection for your back! Dr. Lilja suggests taking low-impact activities like swimming, yoga or cycling to alleviate symptoms of spinal stenosis. Additionally, core exercises like black flexions, cow and cat stretches and crunches can be beneficial in relieving symptoms associated with spinal stenosis.
Spinal Stenosis Is A Serious Condition
Spinal stenosis can be a life-threatening condition. While taking short-term relief may seem appealing, this may not be the best long-term solution and comes with the risk of becoming addicted to opioids. It’s important to find a qualified chiropractor near you before considering taking any such drugs.
Dr. Lilja emphasizes the benefits of chiropractic care, noting it helps increase the space for the spinal cord within the canal and improves both its normal function and health as well as that of soft tissues within and around the spine. As such, chiropractic care can offer a permanent solution to pain and inflammation without the need for medication or surgery – St. Paul Chiropractic and Natural Medicine Center being a holistic solution to dealing with symptoms related to spinal stenosis. Call or book an appointment online today!