Spinal Stenosis
What it is:
Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of one or more of the spinal canal spaces — this can include the central spinal canal, the lateral recesses, or the foramina through which nerve roots exit. This narrowing causes compression or irritation of the spinal cord or nerve roots.
How it happens / risk factors:
Usually due to wear‑and‑tear changes (arthritis) in older adults: disc degeneration, thickening of ligaments, bone spur (osteophyte) formation, facet joint enlargement. Congenital narrower canal may also play a role.
Symptoms:
- ✅ Back or neck pain (depending on location)
- ✅ Numbness, tingling, or weakness in arms/legs
- ✅ For lumbar stenosis: pain/cramping in legs when walking or standing, often relieved by bending forward or sitting.
- ✅ Severe cases: loss of bladder/bowel control (emergency)
Why it matters for chiropractic care:
Important to identify because while conservative care (mobilization, decompression exercises, posture, activity modification) can help, spinal stenosis may require referral or collaboration with spinal specialists if progressive. It impacts prognosis, treatment planning, expected outcomes.
Video resource:
I didn’t include a specific video URL here, but you may pull one from major spine‑health/YouTube resources for your patient education library.