With age, comes experience, wisdom, and a long list of health complications. It’s true that a healthy way of life promotes longevity but as nature takes its toll on our bodies, we become more susceptible to illnesses. As our bones weaken and the probability of accidents increase, back problems such as spinal stenosis turn into a reality for many.
Affecting primarily the lumbar and cervical areas of the spine, spinal stenosis occurs when the spinal canal (which is composed of nerves and the spinal cord itself), begins to compress. The narrowing per se does not cause extreme pain, it’s the pressed nerve endings that causes discomfort. For those who suffer from lumbar spinal stenosis, they tend to experience pain and/or numbness in their back and legs. With cervical spinal stenosis cases, the symptoms are generally more severe. This pain can occur in their arms, legs and even cause imbalance.
Spinal stenosis is a medical condition that attacks people who have weak bone structure that is why this illness is common to older patients. As we age, the bones begin to lose its calcium component and the cushion that protects the area. As a result, it becomes more challenging to walk long distances as your agility is impaired. While some are born with it, women who are over 50 tend to be primary targets. If you are suffering from painful spinal stenosis, it is recommended that you look at all of your options. Surgery is considered as a last resort especially with older patients. Nonetheless, there are many beneficial treatments which are non-invasive in nature that could reduce some of the pain.
Spinal decompression therapy, for example, is one treatment that is pain-free. It requires the patient to lay on a table hooked up to a harness and receive pressure to their spine. This pressure actually creates a vacuum effect, tugging the discs apart, allowing them to gain flexibility and stretch out. By decompressing this area, vital nutrients and blood supply re-enter, which allows the spine to heal. The result allows greater mobility and the likelihood of pain and muscle spasms are minimized. Though people with herniated discs often experience a full recovery, those with spinal stenosis may only feel less pain, given that their bones are already degenerating. Nevertheless, this makes a lot of difference. Most patients have to receive 4-5 sessions per week for a minimum of twenty sessions.
In addition to spinal decompression therapy, those with spinal stenosis can also benefit from exercise. Your flexibility determines the treatment available to you — many would advise Pilates, Yoga or a physical therapy-centered treatment. Exercises that focus on your back pain are important in the healing process. If you are still experiencing pain and discomfort, you may ask your doctor and seek advice on medications. Cortisone shots give temporary relief in muscle spasms. Regardless of what you choose, there are many methods to tackle spinal stenosis. If we could reduce just some of the pain in our lives, living into our 100 s would certainly be a walk in the park.
