Spinal Stenosis Treatment in New Buffalo, MI
Expert chiropractic care to address the root cause of your pain, not just the symptoms.
What is Spinal Stenosis?
Spinal stenosis is a condition characterized by the narrowing of the spaces within your spine, which can put pressure on the nerves that travel through the spinal canal. This narrowing most commonly occurs in the lower back and the neck. For residents of New Buffalo, MI, dealing with spinal stenosis can mean a significant decrease in mobility and quality of life. At Corrective Chiropractic, we focus on identifying the exact areas of nerve compression to provide targeted, effective relief.
Common Symptoms
- Pain or cramping in the legs when standing or walking for long periods
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs, feet, arms, or hands
- A heavy feeling in the legs
- Relief of symptoms when sitting or leaning forward
What Causes It?
The most common cause of spinal stenosis is osteoarthritis, the gradual wear and tear changes that occur in the spine over time. As cartilage wears away, bone spurs can form and grow into the spinal canal. Other causes include herniated discs, thickened ligaments, spinal injuries, and, less commonly, spinal tumors. Years of poor posture and uncorrected spinal misalignments can accelerate these degenerative processes.
How Chiropractic Care Helps
While chiropractic care cannot reverse osteoarthritis, Dr. Strother's corrective techniques are designed to maximize the space available for your nerves and improve overall spinal biomechanics. By restoring proper alignment and mobility to the affected joints, we can help reduce the irritation and inflammation surrounding the compressed nerves. This approach often helps patients manage their symptoms effectively, improving their ability to walk and stand without severe pain.
What to Expect During Treatment
Your journey to relief begins with a detailed assessment at our New Buffalo office. Dr. Strother will carefully evaluate your spine and may utilize imaging to visualize the extent of the stenosis. Your personalized care plan may include specific chiropractic adjustments to improve joint function, flexion-distraction therapy to gently stretch the spine, and customized exercises to strengthen the supporting musculature. We prioritize a comprehensive approach to help you regain your active lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does spinal stenosis always require surgery?
No, surgery is not always necessary. Many patients successfully manage the symptoms of spinal stenosis with conservative treatments, including chiropractic care, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications. Dr. Strother focuses on non-invasive strategies to improve your quality of life.
Why does leaning forward relieve my spinal stenosis pain?
Leaning forward, such as when pushing a shopping cart, slightly opens up the spinal canal and the spaces where the nerves exit. This temporarily relieves the pressure on the nerves, which is a classic hallmark of lumbar spinal stenosis.
Can chiropractic adjustments make spinal stenosis worse?
When performed correctly by a skilled chiropractor like Dr. Strother, adjustments are safe and tailored to your specific condition. We use gentle, low-force techniques specifically chosen to benefit patients with spinal stenosis, avoiding movements that could exacerbate the condition.
Ready to Find Relief?
Don't let Spinal Stenosis hold you back from living your life. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Strother today.