How Physiotherapy Can Be a Treatment Alternative for Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis is a progressive condition, but it does not necessarily require surgery. Here at Butler Chiropractic Clinic in Flower Mound, we have several techniques that can help including physiotherapy. "Stenosis" means "narrowing," and this case it refers to a thickening of the bony canal surrounding the spinal cord. The foramen, or space that allows major nerve branches to extend from the spinal cord, may also suffer stenosis. This problem may be congenital, or it may occur over time. It frequently appears in conjunction with other spinal diseases or ailments such as facet joint arthritis or degenerative disc disease. As the spinal canal and/or foramen grow increasingly narrow in diameter, they may put pressure on the nerve branches or on the spinal cord itself, causing chronic pain and impairment as it interferes with the body's nerve function.

We frequently incorporate multiple treatment methods to resolve a condition, and physiotherapy has proven itself an invaluable aid in cases of spinal stenosis. In addition to chiropractic adjustments, we may prescribe a combination of ice/heat therapy, interferential muscle stimulation, and mechanical traction to help reduce your symptoms. Ice and heat both relieve muscles tightened by pain and allow the inflammation to subside, while interferential muscle stimulation works by sending tiny electrical pulses to the affected tissues. Mechanical traction provides welcome relief for stenosis-related disc and nerve pressure.

Exercise is another important treatment component. We can prescribe gentle stretches and other exercises that build up the strength and flexibility of the back muscles, thus providing extra support for the spinal column. Some patients may have also suffered muscle atrophy sue to nerve impairment in the limbs, and an exercise program can restore strength to these weakened areas.

Get Relief from Our Flower Mound Chiropractor

Talk to our chiropractor, Dr. Butler, about your symptoms and let him perform an initial evaluation of your condition. We can prescribe physiotherapy programs that really work, including simple methods you can employ at home.

Do you think you could benefit from physiotherapy?