Overview - Stenosis occurs when the canal that runs through the vertebrae begins to narrow and put pressure on the spinal cord. Stenosis can occur anywhere in the spine, however it is most common in the lower back.
Symptoms
- Problems with walking upright for long distances
- Numbness, tingling, and cramping in the legs
- Loss of bowel and bladder control
- Foot drop - a weakness that causes the foot to slap down when walking.
- loss of sexual function
- Loss of sensation in the feet
- increasing weakness in the hips and legs
- severe numbness between the legs, inner thighs, and buttocks
Cause
- Osteoarthritis is the most common cause of spinal stenosis. Osteoarthritis takes years/decades to devolop, therefore stenosis is most common in people over the age of 50. Women are more at risk of developing spinal stenosis than men.
- Injury to the spine
- spinal tumor
- Past surgery
- Rheumatoid arthritis
Treatment options - Flexion/Distraction, Spinal manipulation/mobilization, posture/ergonomic instruction, prescribed exercise/stretches, interferential therapy, massage therapy, medication, surgery
Head & Neck
Shoulder & Arm
Back
Hip & Leg
Ankle & Foot
