What Is Spinal Stenosis?

I am often told by patients that they have been diagnosed with spinal stenosis. They mistakenly think that chiropractic is not an appropriate mode of care for them. The fact is that this is exactly what a chiropractor deal with. Simply put, stenosis refers to a narrowing of the nerve openings in the spine. This can occur at any time during your life but is most prevalent after you reach the age of 50.

This narrowing can occur either at the spinal canal where the spinal cord flows or at the nerve roots that exit the intervertebral foramina. These foramina are all the way up and down the spine at every level. They supply all parts of the body including the upper and lower extremities. All organ systems are also supplied. All 3 trillion cells in your body are controlled by these nerves.

There are several ways that stenosis can occur. Degenerative changes such as arthritis will build up calcium and create osteophytes or spurs that can decrease the size of the openings. Herniated discs will also leak out and lean on the nerves. The most common cause is often forgotten which the vertebrae being out of alignment. Most of my patients exhibit all three.

I will hear of subjective complaints such as pain, numbness, or tingling, decrease muscle function and dysfunction of the normal autonomous systems of the body. Compression of the cord itself can lead to a loss of bladder and bowel control.

Dr. William Morgan of Morgan Chiropractic in Stuart Florida has treated these issues for the past 28 years. A detailed history of each patient is taken as well as an orthopedic and neurological exam to evaluate if stenosis is possibly occurring. Diagnostic tools such as MRI, Xray and CT scans can further evaluate the possibility of stenosis. Management through chiropractic care as well as home exercises have shown to have positive results in most of these cases. Chiropractic is one of the best ways to avoid invasive treatments such as drugs and surgery. It is always best to take the most conservative approach. Chiropractic first, drugs second and surgery last.

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