Spinal Stenosis

 

Overview- Spinal Stenosis is the narrowing of one or more areas of your spine. This narrowing can put pressure on your spinal cord and on the nerves that branch out in-between the vertebra. The neck and the low back are the areas most commonly affected.

A narrowed spinal canal reduces the amount of room that the spinal cord and nerves have to move through. When narrowing occurs this places pressure on the nerves leading to pain, tingling, and numbness in the low back, legs, neck or arms.

There are 2 main types of spinal stenosis that we deal with, central and lateral. In central spinal stenosis pressure is placed against the spinal cord itself. In Lateral Spinal Stenosis pressure is being placed against the nerve roots that exit the spine and travel to the extremities.

 

MRI Side View Spinal Canal
Red Arrow shows herniated disc causing narrowing of spinal canal

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MRI of disc as viewed from the above. You can see the round shape of disc and the opening of the spinal canal.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MRI of disc with herniation. Notice shape of disc and shape of spinal canal. Disc herniation is causing narrowing of spinal canal.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What Causes Spinal Stenosis?

Spinal Stenosis is most often seen in patients over the age of 50. It is less common to be born with spinal stenosis. In patients over age 50, stenosis is the result of gradual wear and tear on the spine that can lead to arthritic changes. These changes include ligament thickening, ligament hardening, bone enlargement, and facet enlargement. You may also see herniated or bulging discs. In severe cases a slipping of the vertebra, called spondylolisthesis, can cause compression of the nerve. All of these conditions create a narrowing of the opening and places pressure against the nerve.

 

Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis

Spinal Stenosis is more of a description of what is going on in the spine. The pain from spinal stenosis comes from the inflammation, swelling or irritation of the nerve.

Patients with Lumbar Spinal Stenosis may experience:

• Pain, Weakness or Numbness in the Legs, Calves or Buttocks
• Increased pain with walking which requires frequent rest periods
• Decreased low back pain walking uphill and increased pain walking downhill
• Loss of balance
• Difficulty standing for any length of time
• Find it easier to sit
• Sleeping in the fetal position is most comfortable
• Sciatic-type symptoms

Patients with Cervical Spinal Stenosis may experience:

• Pain, Weakness or Numbness in the Shoulders, Arms or Hands
• Loss of grip strength
• Difficulty turning head while driving
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Loss of range of motion

 

It used to be that the only treatment for spinal stenosis was a surgical decompressive procedure. The general idea with a surgery of this type is to remove a piece of bone, disc or ligament that is placing pressure on the nerve. This surgery has a poor success rate and many patients have to have further surgeries within a few years to repair the damaging effects of this surgery. Scar tissue formation is common, as well.

Now there is technology which can help you avoid this potentially harmful surgery. It is called non-surgical spinal decompression.

Prior to the advances of spinal decompression many patients were told there was no help for their spinal stenosis..

The DRX9000 Is Effective In Relieving Pain Caused By Spinal Stenosis

The DRX9000 Spinal Decompression system relieves the effects of spinal stenosis by helping to restore the health to the disc, facet and surrounding structures. Our experience has shown that often a patient has a disc problem that has contributed to the stenosis. First and foremost then we must address the disc problem. This is accomplished by reducing the pressure inside the disc. As the vertebra above and below the disc are separated, fluid is drawn back inside the disc. Over time the process of spinal decompression can relieve the pressure on the nerve, restore mobility and function to the spine, and get you back to living a more normal productive life.

The DRX9000 is a computer controlled device that is used in the treatment of neck and low back spinal related problems. The DRX9000 incorporates an advanced treatment technique that slowly separates the bones of the spine while preventing protective muscle spasm from hindering the treatment. This decompression motion cycles between brief moments of separation and relaxation, known as oscillation, creating the pumping action necessary to re-hydrate the disc. The decompression is targeted to a specific disc level unlike outdated “traction” techniques that merely “pulled” the entire spine.

The DRX 9000 is a comfortable treatment that will gently restore the health and vitality to degenerated discs without drugs and without surgery. Most patients report relief within the first few weeks of treatment with many patients reducing their dependency on pain medications.

Click Here To Learn More About The DRX9000

A consultation will be necessary to determine if you are a good candidate for spinal decompression to relieve your stenosis. If you are you can be assured that our treatment success rates are exceptional. Many patients are able to return to walking and exercising and do not suffer the usual problems such as getting up out of a chair or bed. Patients are less sore upon waking in the morning and find that they can do more activity than before they completed their treatment sessions.

 

To Find Out If The DRX9000 Can Help Your Spinal Stenosis
Call Now To Book Your Complimentary Consultation

951-925-8082