DRX9000 Spinal Decompression

What Is Spinal Stenosis

Spinal Stenosis is the narrowing of your spinal canal. It may occur anywhere along the spinal column, but usually it occurs in the lower back or the upper back. As with other back conditions, not everyone who has narrowing of the spine has symptoms; in fact, some people may have spinal stenosis and never even know it. For others, symptoms may be present and even debilitating.

Two Types of Spinal Stenosis

It is possible to be born with spinal stenosis, in which case it is referred to as primary spinal stenosis, but that is quite rare. Most people who have the condition acquire or develop it, and that is referred to as acquired spinal stenosis.

Spinal Stenosis Causes

Anything that happens to your back that can cause the spinal canal to get narrower can be a cause of spinal stenosis, but the most common cause is osteoarthritis. Degenerative disc disease, too, may result in spinal changes that cause narrowing, as can herniated discs, tumors in the spine, ligament damage, or severe trauma.

Risk Factors

The biggest risk factor for spinal stenosis is age. Changes to the spine frequently occur gradually over time, so the older you are, the more time you have had for these changes to happen. After the age of about fifty, the risk increases. There is also a condition known as skeletal fluorosis that is a risk factor, but it is quite rare in the United States. It is more common in other parts of the world, however.

Symptoms

How do you know if you may have spinal stenosis? There may be varying symptoms, the most common of which are: pain in the back, neck, or shoulders; radiating pain the hip or back; balance problems; cramps or pain in the legs; more rarely and in more severe cases, there may be difficulty controlling the bowel or bladder.

Treatments

There are several ways that spinal stenosis can be treated; as with most conditions, it is prudent to start with the least invasive methods first, and only if those are ineffective move on to invasive techniques such as surgery. Many people find relief with the use of medications such as NSAIDS and analgesics. Ibuprofen, indomethacin, and acetaminophen are most common. Physical therapy, also, is frequently recommended, as is rest and/or restricted activity. DRX9000 spinal decompression is another popular non-surgical therapy that may be beneficial. There are also back braces available, and steroid medication injected into the spinal area may also help alleviate symptoms. Chiropractic care may also be an option. If the previous treatments do not provide the kind of results you and your doctor would like, surgery may be recommended.