Spinal Stenosis

Occurs when the space around the spinal cord narrows, and puts pressure on the cord and spinal nerves. When intervertebral disks collapse and osteoarthritis develops, your body may respond by growing new bone in your facet joints to help support the vertebrae. Over time, this bone overgrowth – called spurs – can lead to a narrowing of the spinal canal, causing encroachment with the little holes called foramina through which the spinal nerves travel. Similarly Osteoarthritis can also cause the ligaments that connect vertebrae to thicken, which can also narrow the spinal canal.

The symptoms of this painful condition often present after you have walked for a set distance, when pain and weakness occur in one or both legs. This pain settles with rest.

Both Osteopathy and Acupuncture can be very helpful in reducing symptoms of this painful condition. Usually a minimum of five sessions are needed to start making a noticeable difference.

Should the pain and weakness not respond, referral may be necessary to see whether surgery or injection might be of benefit?

Click the button to a video describing Spinal Stenosis.