What is Spinal Stenosis?
Spinal stenosis, also known as cervical or lumbar spinal stenosis, is a condition where the spinal column canal narrows, usually as a person ages; Spinal stenosis most commonly affects those over the age of 50. Genetics can also play a role in accelerating spinal stenosis as well as certain injuries to the spine or medical conditions like osteoarthritis or herniated discs can exacerbate the symptoms.
The pain associated with spinal stenosis is the body’s way of communicating that something is wrong. Many attempt to cope with the pain for fear that surgery is the only solution which can lead to further health problems like poor mobility, anxiety, depression, and a lower quality of life. Luckily, holistic treatment for spinal stenosis has proven successful for many who suffer from its symptoms.
Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis
While starting out mild, symptoms can become severe during the later stages of spinal stenosis. When daily activities are impacted due to the pain, it may be time to consider holistic treatment for spinal stenosis. Symptoms include:
- Pain in the neck or lower back can be persistent or intermittent or radiating to arms and legs
- Numbness or tingling (“pins and needles”) in arms, hands, legs, or feet that worsens with certain activities or positions
- Muscle weakness in the affected limbs causes difficulty walking, gripping objects, and loss of coordination
- Muscle spasms or cramping in the spinal muscles or legs, that can be triggered by standing or walking
- Pain and symptom relief when bending forward, sitting, or lying down where pressure is reduced on the spinal nerves
Holistic Treatment for Spinal Stenosis
- Chiropractic Care: Spinal manipulation from a chiropractor is a common holistic treatment for spinal stenosis. By adjusting the vertebrae to reduce pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, a chiropractor can improve spinal alignment and mobility which helps to alleviate pain, numbness, and tingling.
- Massage Therapy: Massage therapy is a great option for the holistic treatment of spinal stenosis because it relaxes tight muscles and reduces inflammation. It alleviates symptoms by enhancing mobility supporting overall spinal function and improving overall quality of life.
- Diet and Nutrition: A healthy lifestyle is a simple holistic treatment for spinal stenosis that can be incorporated into your everyday routines. Choosing foods that support overall spinal health and reduce inflammation such as fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins can reduce pain and discomfort. Natural supplements may help minimize further spine degeneration, and a healthy weight will reduce strain on the spine. Make an appointment with a functional practitioner at Aligned Medical Group for a detailed nutrition plan.
- Spinal Decompression Therapy: By gently stretching the spine to regenerate and heal spinal discs, decompression therapy is a core holistic treatment for spinal stenosis. As a non-surgical treatment, this method uses a motorized traction table to alleviate pain and improve blood flow promoting healing and mobility. As spinal discs strengthen, stenosis may be reduced.
- Trigger Point Injections: As an element of holistic treatment for spinal stenosis, trigger point injections may help by quickly relieving pain and inflammation while other therapies work to address the root cause of the pain. These injections typically contain a local anesthetic, sometimes combined with Sarapin, a natural anti-inflammatory, which is administered directly into tight muscles near the spine. With reduced muscle tension, stress on spinal structures is reduced which helps relief and recovery.
- Home Exercises: Simple exercises that can be done in your own home are a holistic treatment for spinal stenosis. Targeted motions that help with flexibility and strengthen muscles can help stabilize the spine and slow or prevent further advancement of the spinal stenosis.
Combining Holistic Treatment for Spinal Stenosis with Conventional Treatments
Not all patients benefit from conventional treatments like invasive surgery or strong prescription medications. For those who have discussed a treatment plan with their doctor and decide to take an integrative approach, combining holistic treatment for spinal stenosis with conventional treatments, many find the cause of their pain recovered and their quality of life greatly improved. Surgery and medications target the physical aspects of the condition, while holistic treatments address imbalanced restrictions and stimulate natural healing. Treating the patient as a whole with an integrative medical approach sees far more successful cases than any singular treatment. For example, a patient may be treated by a certified chiropractor, or a massage therapist, and work with a functional nutritionist to help their body reach a state where they can avoid surgery. For those patients who require surgery, home exercises and continued chiropractic care could be the ideal combination for a better outcome and recovery.
Importance of Consulting with a Healthcare Provider for Spinal Stenosis Treatment
While symptoms and general causes of spinal stenosis are well known, each patient’s specific body is different and requires an experienced healthcare provider to understand every aspect of the cause before treatment begins. Contact our medical team at Aligned Medical Group for a consultation on holistic treatment for spinal stenosis and to explore what combination of treatments can lessen your pain and speed your recovery. Our team works cooperatively and collaboratively to develop the best treatment plan for you so you can enjoy a higher quality of life again.