Spinal Stenosis

Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis is a condition in which the spinal canal

narrows, compressing or “squeezing” the spinal cord and

nerves inside. (“Stenosis” means “narrowing” in Greek.) Most

commonly, the narrowing occurs in the lower back, which is

,called “lumbar spinal stenosis.” (When it occurs in the neck

.(” it’s called “cervical spinal stenosis

Pain exists, however, only if and when the narrowing

affects the nerves. If a nerve is touched or squeezed by the

spinal canal, pain can occur in the back, legs, neck, arms, and

.hands, all depending on the location of the narrowing

Numbness or tingling in the legs and feet are also possible, as

well as cramps in the legs. The pain usually lessens if you lean

.forward

These symptoms can occur intermittently, depending on if

and when the nerves are affected. Other problems with the

body (muscle imbalances), mind (e.g., stress), and/or diet all

.can make this condition worse

Considered an aging disease, spinal stenosis usually occurs

in people over 40 years old. While age is a factor, there are

two other factors that often are overlooked: the calcification

of the spinal canal, which is primarily caused by a nutrient

imbalance; and a build-up of fibrin (scar tissue) brought on

.by a reduction in proteolytic enzymes in the body as we age

The good news is that both of these things can be addressed

.fairly easily

The following action plan covers two areas: 1) short-term

,temporary pain relief and 2) long-term solutions. I always

encourage people to work toward the goal of total pain

relief—in other words, no more back pain, period. But if

you’re too uncomfortable to get through the steps needed for

the long-lasting solution, you may want to start with the

.(temporary pain-relief options (listed below

For each category of pain relief (temporary versus long

term), I’ve arranged the solutions in order, with the step likely

.to help you the most listed first

Start with the solution at the top of the list, and then work

your way down only if the pain improves but doesn’t

                                  .completely disappear