Spinal Stenosis 101 And Options For Relief

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While many people experience a little pain and discomfort in their bodies as they age, certain conditions can become unbearably painful. Neck, back, knee, and leg pain not only cause discomfort, but can also lead to a sedentary lifestyle since daily activities are too painful to bear. If you are dealing with pain in the back or neck that is radiating down through your legs, you may have spinal stenosis. Considering lumbar spinal stenosis affects an estimated 8 to 11 percent of the population, understanding this painful condition is smart. Using this guide, you will understand spinal stenosis and learn natural treatment options for your condition.

Stenosis of the Spine

Aging decreases the space between your spine's vertebrae. This narrowing creates pressure in between your nerves and spinal cord, which you may not notice initially. However, pain does develop over time.

Spinal stenosis may cause a constant, radiating pain in the neck, back, and legs. In addition, the condition may cause numbness, tingling, or weakness in the feet, hands, arms, and legs.

Treating Spinal Stenosis

In most cases, your doctor will recommend surgery to treat the symptoms of spinal stenosis. Decompression surgery has many risks, so treating your spinal stenosis in a more natural manner is a safer option.

If surgery does not appeal to you, consider a natural approach to relieving the pain of your stenosis.

Hydrotherapy

Utilizing various forms of water, hydrotherapy is a great option for relieving the painful pressure of your spine. Proven to treat a variety of musculoskeletal issues, warm water therapy can ease the tension in your neck, back, and legs that stems from your spinal stenosis. Here are a few methods of hydrotherapy you can use for your spinal stenosis pain:

  • Warm Bath or Hot Tub
  • Ice Bath
  • Sauna

Unfortunately, you may not be able to climb into a bath tub due to the pain. For a more comfortable form of hydrotherapy, consider using hot and cold compresses. Each night, soak a towel in a bowl of hot water. Wring out the excess liquid before placing the towel on a painful area of your back. The hot compress will soothe away tension and aches without the use of toxic medications.

Exercise

Prolonged periods of rest and relaxation are not beneficial to treating back pain. While surprising to hear, staying sedentary can actually do more damage to your spine. To prevent further damage and more pain in the future, exercise daily. A chiropractor can design a series of exercises that will help relieve the pressure in your spine. Stretches, yoga, walks, and a spinal manipulation can decrease the pressure in your spine, resulting in less pain.

Exercise is not only good for your cardiovascular health, but it also improves your overall mood.

Spinal stenosis can wreak havoc on your physical and emotional health. Fortunately, proper understanding and natural treatment will help you live a fulfilling life free of pain. To find out more, contact a business like Reading Chiropractic.

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24 April 2015

Getting Serious About Your Back Pain

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