What is Spinal Stenosis and How is it Treated?

Stenosis is a medical term that refers to the narrowing of a bodily passage or opening. It can occur in various parts of the body, but one of the most common contexts where stenosis is discussed is related to the spine. Spinal stenosis specifically refers to the narrowing of the spinal canal, which is the hollow channel through which the spinal cord and nerve roots pass. There are two main types of spinal stenosis:

 

Central Spinal Stenosis: This type of stenosis involves the narrowing of the central canal in the spine, which can put pressure on the spinal cord itself. Central spinal stenosis is most commonly found in the cervical (neck) and lumbar (lower back) regions of the spine.

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Foraminal or Lateral Spinal Stenosis: Foraminal stenosis occurs when the openings (foramina) through which the nerve roots exit the spinal canal become narrowed or compressed. This type of stenosis typically affects the lumbar and cervical regions of the spine and can lead to compression of the exiting nerve roots.

 

What are the Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis?
 

Spinal stenosis, whether found in the central spine or foraminal or lateral spine, can cause back or neck pain, radiating pain, weakness, numbness, or tingling in the limbs. 

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How is Spinal Stenosis Treated?

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Chiropractic care can help manage the symptoms of stenosis by improving spinal alignment, reducing inflammation, and employing techniques to decompress affected areas of the spine.