Spinal Stenosis

What is spinal stenosis?

Walking or standing that brings on leg heaviness or discomfort, followed by relief when you sit or lean forward, can be a clue to lumbar spinal stenosis. Stenosis means narrowing of spaces around spinal nerves or the spinal cord. Some people have narrowing without symptoms.

What causes spinal stenosis?

Age-related joint changes, disc bulging, thickened ligaments, bone spurs and spondylolisthesis can narrow these spaces. Less commonly, the spinal canal is naturally narrow.

How is spinal stenosis treated?

At Alliance Wellness Clinic in Vancouver, treatment is based on your assessment, symptoms and goals. Options include:

Chiropractic Care: Carefully selected mobilization, soft tissue therapy, rehabilitation and lumbar flexion-distraction in appropriate cases, with neurological precautions.

Physiotherapy: Strengthening, flexibility, walking or cycling programs, balance work and strategies to improve walking tolerance.

Osteopathic Manual Therapy: Gentle hands-on techniques for associated stiffness and muscular discomfort.

Registered Massage Therapy: Hands-on treatment focused on reducing muscle tension, relieving discomfort and improving mobility in surrounding tissues.

Acupuncture: Supports pain management and associated muscle tension as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

Class 4 Laser Therapy: An optional adjunct for associated musculoskeletal pain; it does not reverse narrowing of the spinal canal.

When should you seek treatment?

Arrange assessment for leg heaviness during walking, reduced walking distance, numbness or balance changes. New bladder or bowel dysfunction, groin numbness, rapidly worsening weakness or new hand clumsiness with gait problems requires urgent medical evaluation.