Spinal Stenosis Treatment Woodstock

Spinal stenosis is a condition that occurs due to excessive pressure exerted on the nerves traveling through the spine as a result of a narrowing of spaces within your spine. Spinal stenosis usually occurs in the neck and the lower back. You should seek spinal stenosis treatment Woodstock as soon as possible.

The symptoms of spinal stenosis may not show up at all for some people. Others may experience tingling, muscle weakness, pain, and numbness. Over time, symptoms may worsen.

The wear-and-tear changes in the spine related to osteoarthritis is the most common cause of spinal stenosis. Doctors may recommend surgery to treat severe cases of spinal stenosis, as it will help to create additional space for the nerves or spinal cord.

Types Of Spinal Stenosis

The location on the spine where the condition occurs determines the classification of the types of spinal stenosis. You can have more than one type. The two main types of spinal stenosis, include:

Cervical stenosis – If narrowing occurs in the part of the spine in your neck, then the condition is called cervical stenosis.
Lumbar stenosis – If the narrowing occurs in the part of the spine in your lower back, then the condition is known as lumbar stenosis.

Symptoms

While most people may have evidence of spinal stenosis on a CT or an MRI, they may not have symptoms. The symptoms start gradually when they occur and worsen over time. Symptoms vary depending on the location of the stenosis and the affected nerves.

In the neck (cervical spine)

Weakness in the foot, leg, hand or arm
Numbness or tingling in the foot, leg, hand or arm
Neck pain
Walking and balance problems
In severe cases, bladder or bowel dysfunction (urinary incontinence and urgency)

In the lower back (lumbar spine)

Weakness in a leg or foot
Tingling or numbness in a leg or foot
Back pain
Cramping or pain in one or both legs when you walk or stand for a long period, which usually eases when you sit or bend forward

Diagnosis and Treatment

After a physical exam, your Woodstock chiropractor will likely order some tests to find out the cause of your symptoms before spinal stenosis treatment Woodstock. Imaging tests, such as CT scans, X-rays, and MRI scans, can provide detailed pictures of your spine.

While there’s no cure for spinal stenosis, the available treatments help to relieve symptoms. You can take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications to ease the pain and swelling. If they don’t work, your doctor may prescribe higher-dose medication.

Knowing the location of the stenosis and the severity of the symptoms helps to determine the right treatment for spinal stenosis. Talk to Dr. Kal, our top Woodstock chiropractor, about the treatment that is best for your situation.

If you are experiencing mild symptoms or not experiencing any at all, then your chiropractor may have to schedule regular follow-up appointments to monitor your condition. Dr. Kal may give you some self-care tips that you can do at home to address spinal stenosis. The chiropractor will recommend physical therapy if these do not help.

Physical therapy

In an effort to reduce pain, people who have spinal stenosis often become less active. However, it worsens the condition because it leads to muscle weakness that can cause more pain. Your Woodstock chiropractor at Advanced Health Solutions – GA Spine & Disc will teach you some exercise to help in:

Improving your balance
Building your strength and endurance
Maintaining the stability and flexibility of your spine