Los Angeles Spinal Stenosis Chiropractor
The lower back (also known as the lumbar spine) is meant to carry half of the entire body weight and also houses nerves, which control the entire lower body. Degenerative changes that come along with the aging may well cause the spinal joints to become utterly overgrown. This is known as the development of the osteoarthritis, which is a common condition. In time the changes may also result into stenosis or narrowing of the spinal canal.
The stenosis of the lumbar spinal canal may even pinch the nerves that go down to the legs. At times, the pinched nerves become utterly inflamed, which causes pain in the legs and/or the buttocks. The lumbar spinal stenosis is a generally common condition that largely affects older and middle-aged adults. Individuals, who were born with the narrowed spinal canal have more chances of developing these disturbing issues. The ailment can be determined using the MRI and/or the x-rays.
Symptoms of The Spinal Stenosis
In most cases, individuals who are suffering from the lumbar spinal stenosis have a rather long history of pain in the buttocks, the back, the legs – pain that gradually becomes worse in time. Walking or even standing upright generally increases the symptoms, which causes heaviness or an ache as well as senses of the overall weakness in the buttocks and the legs. The symptoms may largely be relieved through sitting down or by waling while being bent forward, for instance, pushing a shopping cart. The position creates much more space in the spinal canal, which results in relieving some of the pressure on the nerves.
Treatment That Does Not Involve Surgical Intervention
The vast majority of the individuals, who are suffering from the spinal stenosis have no need of surgical intervention. Mild treatment may also be efficient, including chiropractic techniques and therapy. This type of treatment is going to include massage therapy, cold laser, ultrasound, interferential current as well as traction that are aimed at opening the spinal canal. Patients are going to learn how to gently stabilize their condition via certain exercises that are being performed in neutral spine. Special anti-inflammatory medications are also prescribed or even taken over the counter if the healthcare expert approves and can be absolutely invaluable in speeding up the healing during the rehab therapy.
Bracing
A special kind of lumbar corset or brace may also provide some kind of support that will aid the patient in gaining some mobility, yet bracing is not largely recommended to be used in long-term perspective. If it is used for a very long time, bracing may result in deconditioning of the muscles, which happen to be supporting the back, so one must approach the issue carefully.
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