Lumbar Spinal Stenosis – The Most Common Area for Back Pain

By Debra Rodzinak

In 2011, scientists studied patient spines to determine which spinal zone (upper, middle, and lower) was affected by disc degeneration. They discovered that of the three zones studied – cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine – the lumbar spine showed more degenerative changes than the other two spinal regions. For those who suffer with lower back pain, this finding was no surprise.

Spinal stenosis occurs when the spaces in the backbone begin to narrow. This narrowing causes pressure on the spinal cord and nerves in that area. When the nerve root is pressed, pain running down the back of the leg occurs. Three out of four people who experience spinal stenosis have the narrowing occurring in the lower or lumbar region of the back.

According to WebMD, about 75 percent of patients suffering pain from “spinal stenosis occur in the low back (lumbar spine).”

Causes

Changes in the spine as we age is a common reason for spinal stenosis in the lumbar region.  This gradual change can give rise to certain symptoms such as:

• Leg pain
• Numbness or weakness in the legs, feet, and buttocks
• Lower back pain
• Cramping in lower extremities

Treatment

Anyone who experiences pain in the back should seek the advice of a medical professional. In order to relieve pain, make movement easier, and improve the overall quality of life, lumbar spinal stenosis patients can use over-the-counter pain, prescription medication, and even surgery.

However, instead of surgery or pain medication, many patients opt for non-invasive and all natural ways to relieve this pain. For example, some patients choose to:

• Exercise
• Loosing Weight
• Physical Therapy
• Trying to Maintain Good Posture
• Stop smoking

Chiropractic care can help patients maintain good posture with gentle adjustments to the spinal column and joints. When the spinal column squeezes the nerves in the spine, adjustments can reposition the spinal column and joints to release the nerve that is causing the pain. 

If you have sought medical advice from your trusted physician and are looking for all-natural remedies for your lumbar spinal stenosis, come by The Joint and allow our professional chiropractors to create a plan with you. Our convenient locations and longer operating hours allow you the ability to be in control when deciding when and where to receive treatment. With no pesky insurance forms to fill out or long appointment wait times, our patients enjoy the freedom of being able to walk-in for a treatment whenever and wherever they choose. Stop by The Joint today and let one of our trusted chiropractors help you with your lower back pain.