Now the term Spinal Stenosis refers to the narrowing of the space between the spine and the spinal cord, which is called the spinal canal. It is in this space that the nerves that supply our legs and arms work from and when this area is narrowed the nerves become compressed and inflamed.
The symptoms of Spinal Stenosis are sometimes difficult to diagnose as these can be similar to other lower back pain complaints, especially that of Sciatica. The main difference being the majority of the pain with Spinal Stenosis will be felt in the top of the front your legs, whereas in Sciatica much of the pain is felt in the buttock. Both symptoms are accompanied by lower back pain.
With Spinal Stenosis you will almost certainly find difficulty walking for any distance or standing for any length of time, without having to sit down. In fact sitting or sometimes leaning forward will be the most comfortable position for you. The reason for this being that as you sit the vertebra opens slightly releasing a certain amount of pressure from the affected nerve.
There are some severe cases of Spinal Stenosis where the nerve is compressed to such an extent that you foot may stop working, this is known as dropped foot. It is also possible to have problems with bladder or bowel control. However these instances are rare, but if you are suffering with these symptoms, urgent medical attention will be required.
So what are the reasons for the spinal canal narrowing? Well there are many reasons, but the main ones being A ruptured or degenerative disc, which has pushed into the spinal canal.
As we age the ligaments and tissues that surround the spinal area become thicker. This means that they are taking up more space, which unfortunately is in the spinal canal.
With people that suffer with Arthritis, bony tissue spurs can grow into the spinal canal. Degenerative joints and bones in the spinal area swell which again reduces the space in the spinal canal.
If Spinal Stenosis is suspected as the cause of your lower back pain, your medical advisor will arrange for you to have an MRI scan to find out why the space in the spinal canal has been reduced and then he can advise on the best course of treatment for you.
Spinal StenosisTreatment Options
Often light painkillers or muscle relaxers will be recommended, to help reduce the pain, or if the pain from the Spinal Stenosis is more severe you may be prescribed with stronger medication.
The problem with prescribed medication is that much of it has side effects and can cause nausea, or stomach ulcers, plus if taken for long period of time can become addictive.
An alternative anti-inflammatory is the excellent HealNSoothe. This is a 100% natural remedy designed especially for people with Spinal Stenosis & back pain. It works by eradicating the toxins and impurities that form around the areas of the spine, and targets the exact areas of irritation, reducing your pain and making you feel altogether better.
But that’s not all, the combination of natural ingredients act to protect and maintain the areas of the spine so that you will receive relief over a long period of time. This product really is an excellent choice for the relief of pain caused by Spinal Stenosis. If you would like more information on ‘Heal N Soothe’ you can visit their website by clicking here
Pain relief products are just the first step in your quest to end Spinal Stenosis.The next step is to introduce some light aerobic exercises into your daily or weekly routine. Just 20 minutes on a stationery bike, swimming or a cross trainer are excellent choices as these are non impact and will not cause any distress to your already fragile back.
These exercises will help relieve some of the tension in your lower back, will get the blood flowing through the muscles, plus the natural endorphins that are released into your body after exercise will act as natural pain killer.
You should also start a lower back pain exercise and stretching program. Specialist exercises that are targeted to Spinal Stenosis symptoms are proven to be the very best way for immediate and long term relief.
If you belong to a gym speak to one of the trainers and ask if they can prepare a program to strengthen the muscles in your lower back and your abdomen, and also ask them to advise some stretching exercises for your legs and back. It would also be advisable to ask them to take you through the program, to ensure that you are doing the exercises properly, as bad form can cause even further problems.
If you do not belong to a gym I can recommend the following programs that you can do in the comfort of your own home.
The first is the highly recommended Lose the Back Pain program.
This is a DVD based program that gives you the exact beneficial exercises to perform for Spinal Stenosis and many other back complaints. You can visit their website at :
http://losetheback pain.com
The second program is a stretching program. This program comes in the form of a book and/or DVD and shows you stretches for just about every part of the body.
These are the 3 main treatments for initial and long term relief from Spinal Stenosis, but of course there are many more options, surgical and non surgical.
The bottom line for Spinal Stenosis sufferers is It is keep active, if anybody has advised bed rest, this really is bad advise and will almost certainly make matters worse.
The very best way to treat Spinal Stenosis and keep it at bay is the same advice as with most other lower back complaints – keep your weight down, introduce aerobic and lower back strength training into your weekly routine, and take extra care when lifting of moving heavy or awkward objects.
Surgical intervention is very rarely required, and can definitely be avoided if the just these simple changes to your lifestyle are made.