By Dr Danica Newbold, Certified Cox® Technic Chiropractor and Myotherapist.
Lumbar Spinal Stenosis (LSS) is a commonly treated condition at Malvern Chiropractic Clinic and Melbourne Spine Clinic. Cox® certified practitioners achieve successful outcomes for patients with this non-surgical, gentle, spinal therapy. Below we share recent research outcomes based on a comparison of Surgical vs non-surgical interventions.
Lumbar Spinal Stenosis (LSS) is a degenerative disorder of the spine often associated with aging. It is a narrowing of the spinal canals and foramina (openings) in the vertebral column that may cause compression of the sensitive neurovascular structures located within these areas. Common symptoms of LSS may include lower back and/or leg pain (either one-sided or both) that is increased with activity (such as walking). Patients often describe relief of their symptoms upon rest, however for those who wish to maintain an active lifestyle, some intervention is required. Numbness, tingling or decreased sensation from the lower back into the leg/s may also be noted. Spinal stenosis can be a debilitating and often frustrating condition, mainly because for years, the medical profession has debated and fluctuated as to the appropriate methods of treatment for this condition.
In 2016, a Cochran review of surgical and non-surgical interventions for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis (LSS) was conducted. It revealed that “no clear benefits were observed with surgery versus non-surgical treatment.” However, the author did conclude that the rate of side-effects of undergoing surgery ranged from “10% to 24%”, and that “no side effects were reported for any conservative treatment.” (1).
Conservative management for lumbar spinal stenosis can include Cox ® Flexion-Distraction Therapy, spinal manipulation, and mobilisation such as Chiropractic care utilising, and targeted rehabilitation, specifically core strengthening type exercises as prescribed by a practitioner. Long-term commitment to conservative management is essential to achieving the desired outcomes of a more pain-free and productive lifestyle, all of which may be obtained under conservative management. A study has revealed that patients have often seen benefits for individualised treatment and rehabilitation programs and that exercises improved their overall pain levels and physical limitations (2).
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REFERENCES:
- Zaina F, Tomkins‐Lane C, Carragee E, Negrini S: Surgical Versus Non‐Surgical Treatment For Lumbar Spinal Stenosis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2016;(1):CD010264
- Bove A, Lynch A, Ammendolia C, Schneider M: Patients’ experience with nonsurgical treatment for lumbar spinal stenosis: a qualitative study. Spine J. 2018 Apr;18(4):639-647. doi: 10.1016/j.spinee.2017.08.254. Epub 2017 Sep 21