Spinal stenosis is a medical condition that refers to an abnormal narrowing of the spinal canal, causing compression of the spinal cord and/or nerves. This typically occurs in the neck (cervical stenosis) or lower back (lumbar stenosis).

What is Spinal Stenosis?

Spinal stenosis often occurs due to degenerative changes like osteoarthritis and disc degeneration, leading to the narrowing of the canal containing the spinal cord and nerves. Common symptoms include back and neck pain, numbness, tingling or weakness in the arms or legs, cramping, and impaired physical coordination. Symptoms typically worsen with walking or standing for long periods and improve with rest. Standing hunched over can also aggravate symptoms.

Risks and Causes of Spinal Stenosis

The risk of developing spinal stenosis increases with age over 50 due to natural wear-and-tear of the spine over time. In younger patients, stenosis may be congenital or due to injury/trauma.

Treatment Options for Spinal Stenosis

Treatments aim to relieve pressure on the nerves and can include medication, physiotherapy, steroid injections, and sometimes surgery for more severe cases. Managing underlying causes like arthritis and good spine care also helps.

Prognosis for Spinal Stenosis

The prognosis for spinal stenosis varies on a case-by-case basis. Mild to moderate cases can be managed conservatively while advanced cases often require surgery. Early diagnosis and proper treatment help optimize outcomes.

Differentiating Between Soft Tissue and Hard Tissue Stenosis

It is important to understand the significant differences between “soft tissue” and “hard tissue” stenosis. Soft tissue stenosis occurs when disc material, ligaments, or other soft tissues become distended under pressure and create a narrowing of the spinal canal or IVFs (intervertebral foramina). This pressure comes from the forces of gravity and the human body

trying to hold itself up against gravity. Hard tissue stenosis, on the other hand, occurs when soft tissues are under pressure for extended periods (years), causing the body to stabilize the area of the spine by sending calcium into the soft tissue, which results in bone spurs or “hard tissue stenosis”.

Advanced Spinal Decompression Therapy as a Treatment Option

Advanced Spinal Decompression Therapy, or Disc Rehydration Therapy, is a treatment option outside the traditional medical realm. It uses a “traction-like” device that allows for the reversal of gravitational effects and the “decompression” of the soft tissue that is being displaced. This can reverse disc degeneration and treat spinal stenosis. Unfortunately, traditional medical treatments do not treat the compressive forces, leading many stenosis patients to opt for surgery.

Our Experience with Spinal Stenosis

For the past 28 years, we have been treating spinal stenosis with high levels of success. Thousands of our patients have avoided risky surgeries and achieved long-lasting results with our Advanced Spinal Decompression Therapy. Before having any spinal surgery, we always recommend considering the conservative options first, given that the number one reason for disability globally is Post-operative low back pain.

Research on the Efficacy of Spinal Decompression

Further studies and research on the efficacy of spinal decompression therapy can be found here.

For more information, visit our website at www.cenkihsc.com or call us at (412) 967-9767.