Can My Chiropractor Help My Spinal Stenosis?
Can chiropractors treat spinal stenosis? If you've suffered from a long history of back problems or are currently experiencing concerning and painful symptoms, you may be wondering what spinal stenosis chiropractor options may be necessary. This condition represents a serious life disruption for many patients and has often been treated with major surgery. But is surgery always necessary? The evidence shows that non-surgical treatment methods may be highly effective in reducing pain and restoring function. Let's take a closer look at the data and how your chiropractor may be able to offer spinal stenosis relief.
Understanding Spinal Stenosis
Although roughly 50% of all working Americans admit to experiencing back pain symptoms each year, lumbar spinal stenosis is actually the most common reason for spinal surgery among older adults. It's caused by the narrowing of the spinal column and may have an underlying cause (such as a bulging disc or osteoarthritis). Due to the extra pressure put on the spinal cord, this condition can cause pain and other symptoms (including numbness, tingling, spasms, cramps, and weakness). What's more, those who have a history of back problems or back pain are at greater risk for developing spinal stenosis. A lack of physical activity can also contribute to the underlying conditions that can cause spinal stenosis, as can poor posture, cysts, tumors, prior surgeries, and more.
What Does the Evidence Show?
Up until recently, research into the effectiveness of non-surgical spinal stenosis treatment options was lacking. But newly released data shows that significant improvements can be made in the lives of patients without surgery. During a randomized clinical trial, participants were divided into groups and received one of three treatment options: medical care (including medications and injections), group exercise (fitness classes), or manual therapy (individualized spinal stretches, mobilization, and strength training given by professional spinal stenosis chiropractors and physical therapists).
After the first two months of treatment, the group of individuals who received manual therapy reported the greatest improvement of symptoms and physical function. After six months, all three groups reported similar rates in improvement and increased function. In other words, the treatment administered by chiropractic specialists was most effective for short-term treatment and was comparable to the other non-surgical treatment methods over a longer period of time. We can infer that this supports what professional chiropractors and patients have believed for quite a while: that while LSS is a chronic degenerative condition, it can often be effectively treated without surgery.
How Chiropractic Treatment Can Be Used to Improve Spinal Stenosis
Your chiropractor may be able to help with spinal stenosis. To provide spinal stenosis relief, your professional chiropractor must first identify and treat the underlying cause of this condition. In so doing, your chiropractor can help you to find relief from both issues through different techniques. These techniques might include stretches, strengthening exercises, and spinal adjustment. These methods can remove pressure, alleviate muscular tightness, increase range of motion, improve posture, and reduce pain.
Although every patient has different contributing causes and individual concerns, it's likely that your chiropractic care professional can facilitate relief and improve your quality of life. For more information, please contact us today.
