Back Pain Conditions »

Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

What is it?

Lumbar Spinal Stenosis is the narrowing of the spinal canal thus putting pressure on the spine cord, you can also get a narrowing of the area of the spinal column where the nerve branches exit the spinal column, thus causing lower back pain or radiating pain down the legs.

Spinal Stenosis of the spine can be a very painful and debilitating problem that often affects individuals 40 or older. It can develop in both the cervical as well as the lumbar area of the spine or both. Most research suggests that it affects men and women equally in the lumbar area.

What causes it?

In some cases it's congenital; there can be imperfections in the development of the segments of the spine. In most cases it's just part of the aging process with various conditions contributing to the development like a herniated disc, osteoporosis, calcification over growth or scar tissue build up or even a tumor.

What are the symptoms?

The level and intensity of the symptoms may be different for different people, and the frequency and intensity will also vary. The condition its self does not mean you have to have any symptoms but together with the narrowing and the compression of the nerve, coupled with inflammation, poor posture and the activities of daily living it can all contribute to the symptoms of Pain, numbness, stiffness which are all symptom of Sciatica.

How is your condition diagnosed?

You will need to go over your medical history with a doctor and undergo a physical exam. During the physical exam, you likely will be asked to do a few simple physical tests so your doctor can see if your range of motion has been affected and answer some specific questions about your symptoms.

Here is a list of more comprehensive tests can also be done to help the Doctor properly diagnosis your condition, X-Rays, MRI, CAT scan, Myelogram and Bone scan.

What are the most common treatments?

A common treatment is to restrict movement. Corticosteroid injections may help reduce the swelling. Commonly used drugs include acetaminophen (Tylenol), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), Non-drug treatments include hot packs, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and therapeutic exercises. Stimulating blood flow using massage or a hot tub may also help. If your condition does not improve after this kind of treatment, surgery may be an option.

Why do traditional treatments fail?

Most traditional treatments fail to provide long-term relief because they merely address the symptoms and fail to address the cause of the condition. Unless the cause is fully understood, trying to get rid of the problem becomes a guessing game. One thing is certain: No treatment has been found to be the "one thing that works for everyone."

Which treatments work best?

The first is making sure you get the very best and most up to date information you can on the condition, including your own experimentation with what you can tolerate and what works best for you. There maybe some missing links in your treatment plan so never stop learning and trying new things.

Every one with Spinal Stenosis has Trigger Points and everyone should have a way to administer self trigger point Therapy everyday to them self, immediately followed by and combine with Muscle Balance Therapy to restore balance and proper function of the muscles and joints.

Learn to take time for your self and relax, with the use of far-infrared heat, it can help immensely, it is deep penetrating and dramatically improves the blood flow to the area in question for very quick relief and improved range of motion.

The use of Ice and or Heat can help control inflammation, pain and stiffness, other natural approaches including Proteolytic enzyme therapy can be of benefit to help control the symptom of the condition.

Here are some treatments you may want to consider:

Muscle Balance Therapy™
Trigger Point Therapy
Proteolytic Enzyme Therapy
Healthy Heating Pad

 

 

 

 

 

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