"Stenosis" is a medical term that means "narrowing." When used in reference to the spine ("spinal stenosis"), it describes a narrowing of the joint spaces or between vertebral bones through which the spinal cord travels (leading to compression of the spinal cord itself). At Proctor Chiropractic, our Tacoma chiropractor staff has worked with hundreds of people living with this condition, and we'd be happy to consult with you or a loved one if your lives (and health!) have been affected by this, as well.

What Could Be Causing Your Spinal Stenosis

The most common cause of spinal stenosis is as a result of "wear and tear" to the spine. Repetitive stress and strain can lead to joint inflammation and damage (a condition broadly known as osteoarthritis), which may also trigger the growth of bony spurs (osteophytes) that take up space and effectively narrow the spinal canal. Poor posture, a history of back injury, or herniated discs may also contribute to this condition.

How to Tell if You Have Spinal Stenosis

If you have spinal stenosis, your symptoms will vary depending on the severity of the joint space narrowing and compression on the spinal cord, but they may include

• Lower back pain
• Pain, numbness, and/or weakness in one or both legs
• Back stiffness
• Decreased functional activity tolerance

In rare cases, spinal stenosis can lead to a serious and life-threatening condition known as cauda equina syndrome (compression of the spinal nerve roots), which causes sudden symptoms of incontinence, saddle anesthesia, sharp pain in the legs, and severe lower back pain. This requires immediate medical attention, but fortunately is extremely uncommon.

A diagnosis of spinal stenosis is typically confirmed based on a combination of clinical examination findings, patient history assessment, and imaging studies (such as X-rays and MRIs).

How Chiropractic Care Can Help Treat & Manage Spinal Stenosis

At Proctor Chiropractic in Tacoma, our team utilizes a variety of non-surgical and non-invasive techniques to help you relieve your symptoms and keep them from recurring. Spinal adjustments and spinal decompression help reduce pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, optimize function of the nervous system, and restore normal mobility and range of motion within the spine. Our chiropractor team can also teach you ways to move more safely and effectively, thus reducing unnecessary strain on your back.