Aches and pains are part of everyday life for most. We generally push through the discomfort or resort to taking pain relievers until the problem subsides. When we try to ignore the pain, we could be causing more harm from underlying conditions.
If your body is telling you there is a problem, you need to listen. Joint pain is one of the most common aches we experience, but there could be a variety of issues causing it. The pain could stem from something as simple as strain from overwork to conditions as serious as osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and affects millions of people worldwide. This type of arthritis occurs when the cartilage cushioning the end of the bones wears down over time. Symptoms of osteoarthritis tend to develop slowly and gradually worsen, they include: joint pain or stiffness, loss of flexibility, or a grating sensation when moving the joint. In some cases, spinal stenosis, or the narrowing of the canal inside of the spine, can occur.
In this article, we will explain what spinal stenosis is and the treatment options you have to keep it from running your life.
What are the causes and symptoms of spinal stenosis?
Spinal stenosis can be caused by multiple factors such as herniated disks, thickened ligaments between vertebrae, tumors, or spinal injuries. However, one of the most common causes of spinal stenosis is osteoarthritis. Over time, the wear on the joints between the vertebrae caused by arthritis creates a shrinking of the spinal canal.
In some cases, spinal stenosis shows no side effects for the patient. The canal narrows, but does not put pressure on the spinal cord itself. But this is not always the case. When the narrowing is enough to put pressure on the spinal cord, symptoms can occur in two major areas — the cervical spine and lumbar spine. Symptoms include:
Cervical Stenosis Symptoms
- Numbness or tingling in the limbs or extremities
- Weakness in the limbs, hands, or feet
- Issues with walking or balance
- Neck pain
- Bowel or bladder problems in severe cases
Lumbar Stenosis Symptoms
- Numbness or tingling in the feet or legs
- Weakness in feet or legs
- Pain or cramping in one or both legs after standing for extended periods that eases when you bend over
- Back pain
One or more symptoms may occur from spinal stenosis, and it is important that you pay attention to your symptoms to know whether they increase or not. If you experience these symptoms, don’t be afraid. There are treatments available that can relieve your pain and keep spinal stenosis from causing major problems.
What treatments are available for spinal stenosis?
The differing severity of spinal stenosis means that different treatments may be necessary. Minor pain can be treated through over-the-counter painkillers, but they only offer temporary relief. If your symptoms are moderate to severe, a doctor may suggest invasive surgery that relieves pressure from the spine and causes the spinal canal to open. However, these are not your only options.
Holistic and non-invasive chiropractic treatments could be the answer to pain caused by spinal stenosis. Adjustments created through spinal manipulation realign your spine and relieve pressure from the joints. Over time with regular treatments, the symptoms you experience from spinal stenosis may lessen or even go away.
If you’ve been experiencing pain from possible side effects of spinal stenosis, the specialists at South Orange Chiropractic Center are ready to help you take steps on the path to recovery. With state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment equipment, our chiropractors will help relieve your symptoms and get you feeling better. Contact us to discuss how we can help you start feeling better today.
