Our bodies can be riddled with all sorts of aches and pains.  The older we get, the more aches and pains we end up going through.  Really, it’s just a matter of the body wearing out and trying to heal from injuries that we accumulate over the years.

Back pain is one thing, but many of those relatively minor back injuries can compound as we get older.  It’s estimated that a fifth of everyone over age 60 suffers from spinal stenosis.  If it’s so common, why do most people not even know what it is?

What is Spinal Stenosis

Simply speaking, spinal stenosis is when the area within the backbone, through which the spinal cord travels, becomes too small.

One of the many functions of the backbone is to provide a safe corridor for the spinal cord to travel.  We all know that the spinal cord relays information from the body to the brain, and damage to this piece of your nervous system can result in paralysis.  The body protects the cord by enveloping it in bone.

Various injuries, bone spurs, herniated disks, old-age, arthritis, and a host of other issues can cause the column through with that spinal cord travels to shrink, narrow, or become pinched.

What are the Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis

Some people don’t have any symptoms if their spinal cord becomes pinched.  In part because this unique piece of our body is really quite finicky.  The cord itself doesn’t have feeling in it – so if you were to sever it without disrupting anything around it, you wouldn’t feel pain in the cord itself.  Even so, even the lightest touch on the spinal cord can cause immense pain elsewhere in the body.

Those who suffer from spinal stenosis report:

• Pain
• Tingling
• Numbness
• Weakness

Often the pain is associated with different parts of the body depending on where the damage is.  If the stenosis is in the neck pain will manifest in different areas than if the stenosis is in the lower back (these are the two most common areas for developing this problem).

How does a Chiropractor Help?

There is no cure for spinal stenosis.  The best that can be done is to manage the pain.

Medication can help alleviate swelling and reduce the pressure on the cord.

Physical therapy can strengthen muscles and help the body keep the pressure away.

Surgery might be required for those with advanced spinal stenosis or serious issues that are causing intense pain.

Chiropractic care can ensure the bones are aligned properly, and alleviate the pain caused by joints that are out of place.

Most people want to go from the least invasive options to the most invasive.  We recommend starting with chiropractic care and physical therapy, then advancing to medication and using surgery as a last resort.

How to Schedule an Appointment with Dr. Shayne Durbin

Naturally you’ll want to visit the best chiropractor in Billings.  And, when we poll our most satisfied clients, asking them who the best chiropractor in Billings actually is, they all happily reply that Dr. Shayne Durbin fits that bill.

To schedule an appointment, just call our office at 406-545-2128, and we’ll get you on the next available spot that fits your schedule.

If you’re not able to call, or you’re like a lot of people and making calls is something you dread, we have a handy contact form on our site – just fill that out and we’ll see what fits.

The last step is to come in and get started on the rest of your life with less pain and more happy moments.