Lumbar Stenosis

Lumbar spinal stenosis means the space around your spinal cord and nerve roots is too small, and the nerves are squeezed. You might feel pain, numbness, or tingling in your legs. Be sure to tell your provider immediately if you experience any leg changes, such as weakness, numbness, clumsiness, coldness, or swelling, or if you have groin numbness or loss of bladder control.

Spinal stenosis is usually caused by long-term arthritis that narrows the canal. Symptoms include back and buttock discomfort that worsens with standing or walking and eases by sitting or flexing forward.

There's no cure for spinal stenosis, but chiropractic treatment can help. Try to limit prolonged standing and overhead activities and avoid anything that causes a significant increase in radiating pain. However, light aerobic exercises, such as stationary cycling or water-based exercise, will help. When you are forced to stand, you may find relief by slightly elevating one foot, i.e., use a stool or open your cabinet door and rest one foot on the inside of the cabinet while washing dishes. Sleeping on your side in a fetal position with a pillow between your knees may be most comfortable. Some patients report relief by using an inversion table.