Non-Surgical Relief for a Narrowing Spine
Spinal stenosis is a common condition that affects many older adults, most often in the lower back and neck. It can turn a simple walk through the store into a series of stops or cause leg pain and numbness every time you stand for too long. Spinal stenosis treatment in Albany can relieve that pain and help keep the condition from progressing. At Better Pain Solutions, we treat both lumbar stenosis in the lower back and cervical stenosis in the neck. Our gentle, non-surgical care includes spinal decompression, chiropractic care, and targeted exercise to ease pressure on your nerves and improve how you move.
Schedule Spinal Stenosis TreatmentWhat Is Spinal Stenosis?
Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spaces inside the spine. That narrowing puts pressure on the spinal cord and the nerves traveling through it. Some people have no symptoms at all, while others develop symptoms that slowly get worse over time.
There are two main types. Lumbar stenosis affects the lower back and is the most common form. Cervical stenosis affects the neck and can put pressure on the spinal cord itself. In most cases, spinal stenosis is caused by normal wear and tear related to osteoarthritis, which is why it becomes more common after age 50.
Signs of Lumbar and Cervical Stenosis
Many people do not know they have spinal stenosis until it shows up on an MRI or CT scan. When symptoms do appear, they often develop gradually and depend on where the narrowing is. Lumbar stenosis in the lower back commonly causes the following.
- Lower back pain
- Pain or cramping in one or both legs when standing or walking for long periods
- Leg pain that eases when you bend forward or sit down
- Numbness or tingling in a foot or leg
- Weakness in a foot or leg
Cervical stenosis in the neck can cause a different set of symptoms, including the following.
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Numbness or tingling in a hand, arm, foot, or leg
- Weakness in a hand, arm, foot, or leg
- Trouble with balance or walking
- Bowel or bladder problems in severe cases
Six Steps in Your Stenosis Care
Spinal stenosis needs careful, gentle care, especially in the neck. Here is how we guide your treatment from the first visit forward.
What Causes Spinal Stenosis
Osteoarthritis is the leading cause of spinal stenosis. As arthritis breaks down cartilage over time, it can lead to disc changes, bone spurs, and thickened ligaments that crowd the spinal canal and press on the spinal cord and nerves. Other common causes include the following.
- Herniated discs and bulging discs that push into the spinal canal
- Thickened ligaments along the spine
- Spinal injuries from falls or car accidents
- Paget’s disease, which causes abnormal bone growth
- Spinal tumors, which are rare
Some people are born with a narrow spinal canal. They tend to develop symptoms earlier, often between the ages of 30 and 50.
Who Is at Risk for Spinal Stenosis
Age and osteoarthritis are the biggest risk factors, but several other factors can make spinal stenosis more likely. You may have a higher risk if you have any of the following.
- A history of spine injury
- Previous lower back surgery
- A narrow spinal canal from birth or other congenital spine conditions
- Degenerative disc disease
- Spinal curves such as scoliosis
- Excess body weight
- A history of smoking
- Long-term poor posture
Walk Farther and Stand Longer with Less Pain
Spinal stenosis does not have to keep you sitting on the sidelines. Better Pain Solutions offers gentle, non-surgical spinal stenosis treatment that relieves nerve pressure, improves mobility, and helps you stay active and independent. Book your stenosis evaluation at our Albany clinic today.
Book a Stenosis EvaluationFrequently Asked Questions
About Spinal Stenosis Treatment
Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spaces in the spine that puts pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. It most often affects the lower back and neck and is usually caused by age-related wear and tear from osteoarthritis. Symptoms can include back or neck pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, and leg pain when walking or standing. Many people manage spinal stenosis successfully with non-surgical care.
Yes. A chiropractor can help manage spinal stenosis symptoms with gentle, non-surgical treatments. At our Albany clinic, we use spinal decompression, flexion-based techniques, soft tissue work, laser therapy, and targeted exercise to ease nerve pressure and improve mobility. We avoid forceful techniques where they are not safe, especially in the neck. Care is always tailored to your condition and comfort level.
Bending forward slightly opens up space in the lower spine and takes pressure off the compressed nerves. That is why many people with lumbar stenosis feel better when sitting, leaning on a shopping cart, or riding a stationary bike. Standing up straight or leaning back narrows the space again and can bring symptoms back. Your treatment plan will include positions and exercises that use this to your advantage.
Spinal stenosis typically does not cause paralysis. However, if the spinal cord or nerves stay compressed for a long time, permanent numbness, weakness, or, in rare cases, paralysis can happen. Severe untreated stenosis can also lead to balance problems and loss of bladder or bowel control. That is why it is important to address symptoms early and seek emergency care for any sudden changes.
Spinal decompression can help many people with spinal stenosis, especially when bulging discs or disc degeneration add to the narrowing. Gentle stretching of the spine can reduce pressure on irritated nerves and ease pain. It is not the right choice for every patient, such as those with severe osteoporosis or spinal fusion. An exam will confirm whether decompression is safe and helpful for you.
Exercises that gently bend the spine forward often help most, such as knee-to-chest stretches and pelvic tilts. Core strengthening, hip stretches, and riding a stationary bike are also good options. Walking in short intervals helps build endurance over time. We will show you exercises that are safe and effective for your type of stenosis.
Be ready to share when your symptoms started, whether they have gotten worse, and which activities trigger or ease them. Let us know if anyone in your family has had similar problems. Also mention any preexisting conditions, medications or supplements you take, and any past spinal surgeries or injections. The more detail you share, the better we can tailor your care.
Not always. Many people with spinal stenosis have symptoms that stay stable for years, and some improve with treatment and exercise. Because the condition is often tied to arthritis, it can slowly progress over time without care. Staying active, keeping a healthy weight, and getting regular treatment can help slow progression and keep you moving comfortably.
