People who suffer with this debilitating condition often have leg and/or back pain when walking or standing. This pain is alleviated when they sit or flex forward. This condition is the leading cause of the loss of independence of our senior patients and it leads to greater functional limitations than those people with severe knee or hip osteoarthritis. Sadly, many people suffering with this condition do not qualify for surgery and options for care are limited. People are often left with no options and gradually face an isolated life due to pain and limits in their ability to walk. As you can imagine, people can get frustrated and depressed as their abilities decline.
So what is Lumbar Spinal Stenosis? Lumbar spinal stenosis is usually caused by a type of arthritis that affects the lower back region. It can occur as a result of spinal osteoarthritis which is a wear and tear type of arthridity that worsens as we age. In some people this arthritis gets so severe it starts to choke the neural elements in the central spinal canal or lateral recesses where spinal nerves exit the bony spinal column. The resultant clinical presentation is a person that has difficulty standing or walking and typically produces pain, burning, numbness, tingling, and weakness of the legs, buttock, and lower back.
There is HOPE !! The Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Boot Camp was developed at Mount Sinai Hospital (Toronto) over the last 10 years. This program focuses on improving the quality of life and maintaining the independence among people suffering from this debilitating condition. We are now offering this evidence-based program of care that has been shown to improve walking distance and reduce pain. The program involves manual therapy, special exercises to help restore weak back and leg muscles and when combined with body realignment strategies, help to reduce the pressure on the compressed neural tissue when standing and walking. This disease is chronic and while there is no cure, this treatment strategy will help one live more effectively with it and gain more control over it.
For more information or to refer a family member please call us or visit our website at driscollchiropractic.com to email us.