Spinal Stenosis
Are you experiencing any of the following symptoms?
- Back pain
- Neck pain
- Arm pain
- Leg pain
- Increased pain with standing or walking
- Numbness, weakness, or cramping in the legs or arms
Spinal Stenosis occurs when the spaces inside the spinal column narrow, putting pressure on the spinal cord and the nerves that travel through the spine. This condition most frequently affects the lower back and neck. The most common causes of spinal stenosis are often age-related, resulting from the degeneration of spinal discs and joint spaces, such as arthritis.
Spinal stenosis is a slow-progressing disease due to its degenerative nature. When spinal stenosis affects the lower back, individuals may experience pain in the back or legs, often accompanied by a cramping sensation in one or both legs after prolonged standing. This discomfort can typically be relieved by sitting, leaning forward, or resting. In contrast, spinal stenosis in the neck can lead to numbness, tingling, or weakness in an arm, hand, leg, or foot, along with issues related to balance or walking.
Research indicates that by 2025, 6 out of 10 adults over 65 will likely be diagnosed with spinal stenosis. Moreover, studies have shown that 61.4% of patients diagnosed with lumbar spinal stenosis may also have asymptomatic cervical spinal stenosis concurrently.
Top 10 FAQ’s – Spinal Stenosis
What is spinal stenosis?
Spinal stenosis refers to the narrowing of the spinal canal or the spaces where nerves exit the spine, leading to compression of the spinal cord or nerve roots. This condition often causes pain, numbness, or weakness, particularly in the lower back (lumbar spine) or neck (cervical spine). At Malvern Chiropractic Clinic and Melbourne Spine Clinic, we are experts in non-surgical treatments to alleviate these symptoms and improve your quality of life.
What causes spinal stenosis?
Spinal stenosis is commonly caused by age-related degenerative changes, such as osteoarthritis, herniated discs, or thickened ligaments. Other causes include congenital spinal abnormalities, injuries, or conditions like spondylolisthesis. Our practitioners at Malvern Chiropractic Clinic and Melbourne Spine Clinic focus on identifying the root cause of your stenosis to create a personalised treatment plan.
What are the symptoms of spinal stenosis?
Symptoms of spinal stenosis can include back or neck pain, numbness, tingling, weakness in the arms or legs, and difficulty walking or standing for long periods. In severe cases, it may lead to bowel or bladder dysfunction. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, our clinic offers evidence-based, non-surgical solutions to help manage your condition.
How is spinal stenosis diagnosed?
Diagnosing spinal stenosis involves a comprehensive physical examination, a review of your medical history, and imaging tests such as X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans. At Malvern Chiropractic Clinic and Melbourne Spine Clinic, we use these tools to accurately assess your condition and recommend the most effective treatment options.
What non-surgical treatments are available for spinal stenosis?
Non-surgical treatments at our clinic include the Cox® Flexion-Distraction Technic, a gentle spinal decompression method designed to relieve nerve compression and improve mobility. We also offer targeted rehabilitation exercises, core strengthening programs, and lifestyle advice to support long-term recovery and prevent symptom recurrence.
How does the Cox® Technic help with spinal stenosis?
Cox® Technic is a proven, evidence-based chiropractic method that uses gentle, controlled spinal decompression to widen the spinal canal and reduce pressure on nerves. This technique not only alleviates pain but also improves function and mobility, making it an effective treatment for spinal stenosis without the need for surgery.
When is surgery necessary for spinal stenosis
Surgery is typically considered only in severe cases of spinal stenosis, such as when there is significant nerve damage, loss of bladder or bowel control, or debilitating pain that does not respond to conservative care. At Malvern Chiropractic Clinic and Melbourne Spine Clinic, we prioritise non-surgical treatments like the Cox® Technic, which research shows can effectively manage symptoms for most patients.
How long does it take to see results from non-surgical treatments?
The timeline for improvement varies depending on the severity of your condition and your commitment to the treatment plan. Many patients experience relief within weeks to months of starting Cox® Flexion-Distraction Therapy and prescribed rehabilitation exercises. Our practitioners will work closely with you to monitor your progress and adjust your care as needed.
Are there risks or side effects associated with non-surgical treatments like the Cox® Technic?
Cox® Technic is a safe and gentle treatment method with minimal risks or side effects. Unlike surgery, it does not involve incisions, anaesthetics, or lengthy recovery periods. Our certified practitioners ensure that your treatment is both effective and comfortable, tailored to your specific needs.
Can spinal stenosis symptoms return after treatment?
While spinal stenosis is a chronic condition, adopting a proactive approach to spinal health can significantly reduce the risk of symptom recurrence. At Malvern Chiropractic Clinic and Melbourne Spine Clinic, we emphasise long-term care, including regular spinal check-ups, targeted exercises, and lifestyle modifications, to help you maintain a pain-free and active lifestyle.
How Do Chiropractors Treat Spinal Stenosis?
Treatment for spinal stenosis by the Cox® Certified Chiropractors at Malvern Chiropractic Clinic and Melbourne Spine Clinic utilises Cox® Flexion-Distraction and Spinal Decompression therapy, a gentle, effective, low-force, and non-surgical approach that has been proven to alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with spinal stenosis.
While spinal stenosis cannot be “cured,” the Cox® Certified Chiropractors can provide treatment and symptom management. Realistically, patients may achieve an outcome of a 50% reduction in pain, allowing them to enjoy a better quality of life and participate in daily activities.
The American Pain Society and the American College of Physicians endorse spinal manipulation as primary care for low back pain, of which spinal stenosis is a common cause.
What the Science Says – Outcomes Achieved with Cox® Flexion-Distraction:
- Reduction of intradiscal pressure to as low as -192 mmHg, alleviating pressure on pain-sensitive structures.
- An increase in disc height space by 17%.
- Expansion of nerve opening spaces through which spinal nerves pass from the spinal cord to the body by up to 28%.
- Restoration of normal range of motion in the spinal joints.
- Enhanced sensory feedback from the body back to the brain (afferentation), leading to a sedating and relieving effect on nerve conduction with considerable pain-relieving outcomes.
Achieving these results contributes positively to the wellness of patients suffering from spinal stenosis.
In the clinic, patients frequently report relief from spinal stenosis pain following Cox® Technic protocols, supported by research findings:
- Significant relief of subjective pain and objective doctor-recorded tests in a 60-year-old male patient with cervical spinal stenosis causing arm pain.
- Pain relief from spinal stenosis in a 78-year-old man with low back pain and multi-level spinal stenosis, maintained at a 5-month follow-up.
- Twelve visits of Flexion-Distraction therapy providing relief to a 76-year-old male with lumbar spinal stenosis.
- Fifteen visits of Flexion-Distraction therapy over ten weeks yielding significant relief in a 33-year-old male with severe neck and arm pain due to spinal stenosis.
At Malvern Chiropractic Clinic and Melbourne Spine Clinic, our Chiropractors employ the latest research and clinical data to diagnose and treat patients. Our Certified Cox® Flexion-Distraction and Spinal Decompression Chiropractors address all spinal pain conditions using safe, gentle, non-surgical, and doctor-controlled spinal decompression therapy. Cox® Flexion-Distraction is a recognised alternative to spinal surgery for managing spinal stenosis.
REFERENCES
(1) Gudavalli, MR., Olding, K., Joachim, G., Cox, JM. Chiropractic Distraction Spinal Manipulation on Postsurgical Continued Low Back and Radicular Pain Patients: A Retrospective Case Series. J Chiropractic Med. 2016 Jun; 15(2): 121–128. Published online 2016 May 25. doi: 10.1016/j.jcm.2016.04.004
Latest Research and Report Links
Additional information and references are available by clicking coxtechnic.com.
Email one of our back pain experts by clicking the button below and find out if we can assist with your condition.