5 Signs You May have Spinal Stenosis in Imperial, MO

As you age, many parts of your body are in danger of something called degeneration, which simply means to deteriorate. One part of the body that is not exempt from deterioration is the spine. When the spinal canal begins to narrow, it can cause a degenerative condition called spinal stenosis. This narrowing can take place over many years, which means symptoms might not be so obvious. Here are five signs you may have spinal stenosis.

1. Back Pain that Comes and Goes

When the spinal canal begins to narrow, it can cause pressure on the nerves and the spinal cord. This pressure will trigger pain, but it is usually pain that comes and goes. Pain levels can vacillate between severe, mild, and no pain at all.

2. Symptoms that Are Similar to Sciatica

When the spinal nerve root in the lower back compresses, it can cause a painful condition called sciatica. With this condition, pain radiates throughout the back, hip, and outer part of the leg. Other symptoms of sciatica include tingling and numbness. These can all be symptoms of spinal stenosis as well.

3. Certain Positions Cause or Relieve Pain

If you have spinal stenosis, there are certain body positions or activities that can cause pain, along with other positions or activities that can help to relieve pain. For example, standing upright will cause the pain to flare up while lying down can help the pain to go away.

4. Pain or Cramping In the Legs

If you notice pain in your legs, or they feel like they are cramping up after standing for long periods of time, this is also a sign of spinal stenosis.

5. Physical Changes in the Spinal Column

Sometimes the only sure way to tell if you have spinal stenosis is by undergoing an X-ray, CT, or MRI to determine if there are any physical changes to your spinal column.

Contact Us

If you have any of these symptoms, or if you would like to set up an appointment to receive chiropractic care, call Advanced Family Chiropractic and Rehabilitation at 636-442-0340. We are located in Imperial, MO.