What Is Spinal Stenosis?
Spinal Stenosis is a narrowing of the spaces within the spine that may reduce room for the spinal cord or nerve roots. The narrowing often develops in the lower back or neck. Symptoms can include back pain, leg discomfort, numbness, weakness, or changes in walking, although some people have no symptoms.
Quick Facts About Spinal Stenosis
Category
Spinal condition
Used for
Describing narrowed spinal passages
Common confusion
Often confused with disc problems
Also called
Narrowing of the spine, Spinal canal stenosis
Often discussed with
Back Pain Treatment, Spinal Decompression Therapy
Key Takeaways About Spinal Stenosis
- Narrowed spinal spaces may affect nearby nerves.
- Symptoms can change with posture or activity.
- Spinal stenosis is not the same as a disc bulge.
How Spinal Stenosis Works
Spinal stenosis changes the amount of open space around structures in the spine. The narrowing may involve the spinal canal or the openings where nerves leave the spine. Bone changes, joint changes, or disc changes can contribute to reduced space.
Related glossary terms: Lumbar Spine, Nerve Root, Radiculopathy.
The location helps explain the symptoms. In the lumbar spine, nerve irritation may affect the lower back, buttocks, or legs. In the neck, pressure near the spinal cord or a nerve root may affect the neck, shoulders, arms, or hands. A clinical assessment considers symptoms, movement, strength, sensation, and walking patterns. Imaging may help show the shape of the spinal spaces when a clinician considers it appropriate.
From the Arrowhead Clinic Chiropractor Savannah team
When we assess spinal stenosis during Back Pain Treatment, we review symptom patterns, spinal movement, strength, sensation, and walking mechanics. We also consider whether symptoms suggest nerve involvement. Our findings help guide appropriate care and determine when another health professional should evaluate the condition.
Spinal Stenosis in Practice: A Real-World Example
A person with lumbar spinal stenosis may feel lower back discomfort and leg heaviness during standing or walking. Sitting or changing posture may alter the symptoms, which gives the clinician useful information during an assessment.
Related Services
Related Terms
Lumbar Spine
The lumbar spine is the lower section of the vertebral column, located between the thoracic spine…
Nerve Root
A nerve root is the short section of a spinal nerve that leaves the spinal cord…
Radiculopathy
Radiculopathy is a condition in which a spinal nerve root becomes irritated or compressed, causing symptoms…
Range Of Motion
Range Of Motion is the amount and direction a joint can move through its available path…
Arrowhead Clinic Chiropractor Savannah
Have Questions About Spinal Stenosis?
Contact Arrowhead Clinic Chiropractor Savannah for practical guidance on Spinal Stenosis and related chiropractor work in Savannah.