Spinal stenosis occurs when the space inside the spinal column becomes narrow, compressing or “pinching” nerves as they exit the spine and travel to other areas of the body. Dr. William V. Salvatore provides patients in Oceanside, New York, with custom treatment plans aimed at relieving the symptoms of spinal stenosis, helping patients feel better immediately, without the need for invasive, unnecessary treatment options like surgery. Dr. Salvatore takes pride in offering patients timely, convenient, affordable and long-lasting chiropractic care.

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What is spinal stenosis?

Stenosis is a medical term that means “narrowing.” Spinal stenosis refers to a narrowing of the spinal canal, the conduit formed by the spine bones or vertebrae that contains all the nerves traveling from the brain to other areas of the body. Normally, the spinal canal offers plenty of room for these nerves. But sometimes, the canal can become narrowed, causing nerve compression and irritation that can result in local and radiating pain, numbness and weakness in the legs or arms. Stenosis in the neck and upper back can also cause chronic headaches.

What causes spinal stenosis?

Several conditions can contribute to stenosis, including:

  • Bone spurs, small, bony projections that form on the surface of bones, especially around joints (including the joints between the vertebrae)
  • Arthritis-related changes in the spine
  • Age-related changes, including thickening of supportive ligaments and wear-and-tear on the bones and joints
  • Osteoporosis
  • Traumatic injuries
  • Herniated discs
  • Tumors
  • Paget’s disease, a disease that causes the bones to enlarge and thicken

Spinal stenosis becomes much more common with age, with symptoms typically appearing between 30 and 50 years of age.

How does Dr. Salvatore treat spinal stenosis?

Dr. Salvatore has significant expertise in managing an array of spine-related conditions, including spinal stenosis. Treatment options may include spinal adjustments, manual therapy and therapeutic exercises among other options to provide symptom relief without long-term use of medications or surgery. These approaches help “open up” spinal spaces to reduce nerve compression and the painful symptoms it can cause. Lifestyle guidance will also be provided to help patients prevent symptom flare-ups. When symptoms are severe, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or cortisone injections can be used in combination with chiropractic care as needed. It’s important to Dr. Salvatore to make time to answer each patient’s questions during an appointment so that they get the most out of their treatment.

How long does treatment take?

That depends on the cause of stenosis. In most patients, spinal stenosis is a progressive disease, which means it can become worse over time. Having regular chiropractic care can be an effective way to relieve symptoms while also slowing the progression of the disease and even preventing symptoms from worsening. If you have spinal stenosis, your care regimen will be customized to your needs to optimize both short-term and long-term results.