Spinal Stenosis Treatment in Phoenix, AZ
Stenosis is a term that means the narrowing of an opening. When stenosis occurs in the spine, it refers to the narrowing of the spinal openings. The spinal canal, which encloses the spinal cord, is formed by the spinal bones, spinal discs, and ligaments. The three openings of the spine are the spinal canal, the neural foramina, and the lateral recess. The three types of stenosis in the spine are referred to as spinal canal stenosis, neural foraminal stenosis, and lateral recess stenosis. Narrowing of the spinal opening will put pressure on the spinal cord and the nerves that travel through the spine. Stenosis can occur in any region of the spine. Stenosis in the spine affects up to 95% of people by the age of 50.
Spinal Stenosis (central canal stenosis) occurs when the central canal, the opening where the spinal cord is located, is occluded by a bulging disc, bone spurs, or ligamentum flavum hypertrophy. Spinal stenosis can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves that travel through the spine.
Neural foraminal stenosis occurs when the foraminal openings, the areas of the spinal joint where the spinal nerves exit the spine, become narrowed and occluded.
Lateral recess stenosis occurs when the lateral recess becomes narrowed and occluded. The lateral recess is the opening located where the nerves exit the spinal canal, extending to the neural foramina.
$49 Chiropractic Special
- Consultation & exam
- Free MRI Review
- X-Rays
- Dr’s Report of Findings on Day 2
How Our Care Plan Works
Find It
Through our meticulous exam process we are going to find the root cause of your problem and show you exactly what is going on.
Fix It
We will develop a custom plan of attack using our comprehensive approach that won’t just have you feeling better in the short term but will give you the lasting results that you have been looking for.
Forget It
When you aren’t feeling 100% it is hard to focus on much else. Once we get you feeling and functioning better you will be able to forget all about your problem and get back to enjoying your life!
How We Treat Spinal Stenosis in Phoenix, AZ
Our chiropractic clinic offers a range of treatments to help manage this condition and alleviate its symptoms.
Comprehensive Consultation and Exam
New patients suffering from stenosis will always begin their experience at Gonstead Physical Medicine with a consultation and a detailed review of their condition. The consultation allows our doctors to truly listen to the patient and understand how the problem started and how the stenosis pain affects their life. We can also capture key bits of information about your condition that can help our doctors determine the “root cause” of the problem that is creating your stenosis pain.
At Gonstead Physical Medicine, our doctors are trained to identify the “root cause” of your stenosis problem by taking a comprehensive “multifaceted approach” to make sure we diagnose your stenosis pain correctly. Some of the ways we diagnose your spinal condition are the use of full spine and motion X-rays, MRIs, orthopedic tests, functional movement tests, motion and static palpation, the use of Gonstead “nervo scope” instrument, which measures the change in heat along the spine correlating to specific spinal levels of tissue inflammation and nerve interference.
Once the root cause of your stenosis problem is determined, the doctors at Gonstead Physical Medicine will be able to give you the best recommendations for treatment. The patient’s treatment will be determined by the root cause of the patient’s stenosis problem. Stenosis has many causes, and determining the correct cause of the problem will dictate the course of treatment. At Gonstead Physical Medicine, our chiropractic doctors implement multiple therapies that are clinically necessary to treat the root cause of your stenosis problem.
Specific Chiropractic Care in Phoenix, AZ
Specific chiropractic adjustments can correct spinal misalignments and subluxations that occlude the opening of the spine and put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves that travel through it. At Gonstead Physical Medicine, we specialize in the Gonstead method of spinal adjustment, as well as other chiropractic techniques.
Custom Therapeutic Exercise Program
When the spinal disc and joint have been determined to be stable by the doctors at Gonstead Physical Medicine, the patient will be ready to begin strengthening and therapeutic exercises.
Strengthening the muscles, ligaments, and tendons surrounding the disc will improve joint function, increase blood flow to the spinal structure, and encouraging further recover. The Doctors at Gonstead Physical Medicine will design a customized exercise plan for each patient with stenosis.
Spinal Decompression
Spinal decompression is one of the best approaches for treating your stenosis symptoms. Stenosis is caused by the compression of the spine from spinal disc displacement, spinal degeneration, and posterior facet syndrome, all of which the DRX 9000 nonsurgical spinal decompression system is designed to treat. The DRX 9000 non-surgical spinal decompression system is a medical device that has an FDA clearance and is designed to treat spinal disc displacement, degenerative spinal discs, and posterior facet syndrome, all of which are contributing causes of stenosis in the spine. The DRX 9000 Spinal Decompression System is a non-surgical option as opposed to having medical intervention such as epidural injections, nerve ablations, spinal laminectomy, discectomy, and even spinal fusion surgeries.
Digital X-Rays & MRI
When spinal stenosis is suspected in a patient, the doctors at Gonstead Physical Medicine will recommend whole spine X-rays and an MRI. Full-spine x-rays are taken on site at Gonstead Physical Medicine to show the doctor the spinal joint integrity. The MRI is also recommended to determine the integrity of the soft tissue, such as the spinal disc, ligamentum flavum, cysts tumors, and the integrity of the spinal openings.
For our patients’ convenience and to expedite the process, our doctors at Gonstead Physical Medicine can schedule your MRI appointment from our office. Many patients can have their MRI on the same day.
Electric Muscle Stimulation Therapy
Electric muscle stimulation therapy is an electric therapy that contracts and relaxes the muscles of the spine to increase blood flow to the spinal structures, and to reduce pain and inflammations with patients that have stenosis.
Red Light Therapy
Red light therapy is a light therapy that involves stimulating soft tissue in the muscles, ligaments, and tendons with a specific frequency of light. This improves blood flow to the spinal structures, reducing pain and inflammation in those with stenosis.
Ice Therapy
Ice therapy is used in conjunction with electrical muscle stimulation therapy to reduce pain and inflammation in patients experiencing stenosis symptoms.
Massage
Massage is used to break up adhesions and scar tissue in the spine, and to decrease joint inflammation and improve joint motion in patients with symptoms of stenosis.
Decompression Belt
Decompression belts are used to support the back and relieve pressure on the spinal discs and nerves. The belt controls and contains the patient’s condition in patients who have stenosis symptoms.
Nutrition (Vitamin, Supplements, and Anti-Inflammatory IV Therapy)
Certain nutritional supplements are recommended to help the spinal disc, ligaments, and nerves repair in patients with stenosis symptoms.
Topical Analgesic Products
Natural topical analgesic products are recommended to reduce pain and inflammation in patients who have stenosis.
$49 Chiropractic Special
Includes Consultation & exam, Free MRI Review, X-Rays, Dr’s Report of Findings on Day 2.
Common Causes of Spinal Stenosis in Phoenix, AZ
There are many causes of stenosis, at Gonstead Physical Medicine, our doctors are trained to identify the “Root Cause” of your stenosis pain so our doctors can treat your stenosis condition in the most effective manner and get you back in your life, enjoying the things you love to do.
Spinal Disc Displacement
In most cases stenosis is causes by spinal disc displacement such as a herniated, bulging, protruded or extruded spinal disc. The spinal disc is similar to a jelly donut with a soft gel-like substance in the inside of the disc called the nucleus pulposus, and a strong outer ligament structure called the annulus fibrosus. What occurs with disc displacement is that the annulus fibrosus fibers weaken from the inside out and can tear, from too much pressure on the spinal disc usually from; lifting a heavy object such as in the construction occupation, or a trauma such as a car accident or fall, or from chronic prolonged siting that we see in the truck driving occupation and office work jobs. When the fibers of the annulus fibrosus weaken, the gel-like substance of the nucleus pulposus moves or becomes displaced, also known as a disc protrusion. As more pressure is applied to the disc, the disc protrusion will form into a disc bulge, and eventually will expand into the spinal canal area. The disc bulge will develop into a herniation.
When the gel-like substance of the nucleus pulposus starts to leak out, this is called an extruded disc. A sequestered disc occurs when a portion of the disc material of the nucleus pulposus that is leaking out from the extruded disc breaks off and forms fragments that travels into the epidural space of the spinal cord. Any form of disc displacement can eventually occlude the opening of the spine, putting pressure on the spinal cord and the nerves that travel through it, and creating the symptoms of stenosis.
Degenerative Disc Disease
Degenerative Disc Disease occurs when the spinal disc, which acts as a cushion of the spine and creates space between the spinal bones, begins to wear away, usually due to, excess pressure on the disc. Degenerative disc disease occurs due to the wear and tear of the joint, spinal injuries, or natural aging. The spinal disc is mostly water, and when it starts to dehydrate, it is also referred to as a desiccated disc. When the spinal disc dehydrates, it becomes flattened and is unable to perform its natural function of maintaining the space between the spinal bones. As a result, the spinal bones begins to compress each other, putting pressure on the spinal cord and nerves that travel thought the spine, creating the symptoms of stenosis.
The degeneration of the spinal disc will eventually lead to degenerative joint disease, a condition affecting the spinal joint. As the spinal joint starts to degenerate, fragments of bone form, called osteophytes, also known as bone spurs. Bone spurs, which form around the joint, eventually lead to joint immobility and joint fusion. The disc-osteophyte complex is a term used to describe a condition where the spinal disc has degenerated and flattened, and the spinal bones are rubbing against each other due to osteophytic formation, resulting in the joint losing its ability to function. Degenerative disc disease and degenerative joint disease will eventually occlude the opening of the spine and put pressure on the spinal cord, the nerves that travel through the spine, creating the symptoms of stenosis.
Degenerative Joint Disease/Osteoarthritis
When the spinal joint loses its integrity from wear and tear and from spinal injuries, the spinal joint starts to break down. As mentioned above, the disc will begin to lose its ability to maintain the space between the spinal bones. The joints will start to rub on each other, creating facet hypertrophy (thickening of the facet joints), and bone spurs (osteophytes) will form. This is also known as a disc osteophytic complex and is considered a form of osteoarthritis. The bone spurs and thickening of the facet joints will occlude the openings of the spine, putting pressure on and irritating the spinal cord and nerves, which creates the symptoms of stenosis.
Ligamentum Flavum Hypertrophy
When the spinal joint becomes unstable due to degenerative disc disease and degenerative joint disease mentioned above, hypertrophy of the ligamentum flavum occurs. The ligamentum flavum is a ligament inside the spinal canal that provides stability to the spine. When this ligament becomes overworked due to spinal joint instability, it cannot repair itself and becomes inflamed and thickened. This thickening is called hypertrophy. The increased thickness of the ligamentum flavum will occlude the openings of the spine, putting pressure on and irritating the spinal cord and nerves, thereby creating the symptoms of stenosis.
Posterior Facet Syndrome (Lumbar Facet Joint Syndrome)
Posterior facet syndrome, also known as lumbar facet syndrome, is a painful condition caused by the irritation of the lumbar facet joints. Posterior facet syndrome usually occurs from the degeneration of the spinal disc. When the spinal disc dehydrates, it shrinks or flattens. This places undue stress on the facet joints located behind the disc. Posterior facet syndrome can also occur from a spinal injury, such as a whiplash injury to the spine from a car accident, a fall, or from surgery. When the facet joint is irritated, inflamed, or bruised, scar tissue (fibrosis) forms and occludes the opening of the spine, creating the symptoms of stenosis.
Subluxation
Subluxations occur when the bones of the spine misalign from the correct position and put pressure on the nerves of the spine. Subluxations are a contributing factor to spinal stenosis.
Spinal Cysts And Tumors
Spinal cysts and tumors will occlude the openings of the spine and put pressure on and irritate the spinal cord and nerves of the spine, creating the symptoms of stenosis.
Spinal Surgery
Spinal surgery can cause stenosis in the spine. Surgery to the spine can create fibrosis or scar tissue that develops and can occlude the opening of the spine, creating the symptoms of stenosis.
Common Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis in Phoenix, AZ
Stenosis in the spine can create a variety of symptoms, ranging from mild, with little pain and stiffness, to very severe health problems, such as myelopathy. Myelopathy is an injury to the spinal cord due to severe compression of the spinal cord. Some patients may not experience symptoms initially, but they will eventually develop symptoms that gradually increase and worsen over time.
Symptoms of Stenosis In The Lower Back (Lumbar Stenosis)
- Lower back pain
- Numbness that travels down the Legs
- Tingling that travels down the legs
- Sciatica- pain, tingling, and numbness in the lower back that travels down the legs
- Pain in the buttocks that can travel to the foot
- Leg cramping
- Leg weakness
- Drop foot
- Problems with bowel and bladder function
- Problems with sexual function.
- Difficult walking, balance, and coordination
- Difficulty sitting
- Difficulty transitioning from sitting to standing
Symptoms Of Stenosis In The Neck (Cervical Stenosis)
- Neck pain
- Numbness that travels to the shoulder, arms, and hands
- Tingling that travels to the shoulder, arms, and hand
- Radiculopathy – pain, tingling, numbness that travels to the hands
- Hand Cramping
- Hand Weakness
- Trigger Finger
- Problems using the hands and fingers, such as typing, writing, and buttoning a shirt
Check Out Our Location Near You
2735 W Union Hills Dr #102, Phoenix, AZ 85027
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Chiropractors in Phoenix, AZ, Help with Spinal Stenosis?
The chiropractic doctors at Gonstead Physical Medicine can help you if you have been diagnosed with stenosis of the spine. Spinal decompression can be one of the best treatments for your stenosis symptoms. The reason is that stenosis is caused by the compression of the spine from spinal disc displacement, spinal degeneration, and posterior facet syndrome, all of which the DRX 9000 nonsurgical spinal decompression system is designed and FDA-cleared to treat.
How Does the Spinal Decompression System Work In Treating Stenosis?
When a patient has stenosis of the spine, the spinal joints are compressed and occlude the opening of the spine, compression the spinal cord and nerve that travel though the spine. Stenosis increases pressure on the spinal disc, nerve, and ligaments of the spine. The non-surgical spinal decompression system gently, specifically, and accurately opens up the spinal joint, taking pressure off the nerves, ligaments, and disc. When the disc is “decompressed,” it means there is less pressure on the disc, allowing more blood flow to enter and heal and rehydrate the disc, and the degenerative disc will start to recover. The oscillation movement of opening and closing the joint will reabsorb the excess disc material in the case of disc displacement (herniated, bulging, protruded, or extruded disc)
How Long Has Gonstead Physical Medicine Been Treating Stenosis With Spinal Decompression?
The DRX 9000 Nonsurgical Spinal Decompression System was developed approximately 30 years ago, and Gonstead Physical Medicine has been utilizing the DRX 9000 for about 20 years to treat the symptoms of stenosis in the spine.
Is There Any Proof That Spinal Decompression Works To Treat Stenosis?
The DRX 9000 Nonsurgical Spinal Decompression System has been extensively researched over the last 30 years by some of the world’s leading research institutions, including Harvard University, Stanford University, Johns Hopkins University, and the Mayo Clinic. The latest research is being conducted in the Department of Neurosurgery at the University of Southern Florida. The research indicated the efficacy of this amazing medical device in helping patients get out of pain and get their lives back by relieving the symptoms of stenosis in the spine.
Is Gonstead Physical Medicine Certified In Spinal Decompression To Treat Stenosis?
All our Doctors at Gonstead Physical Medicine hold dual certifications in spinal decompression, one from Disc Centers of America and the other from Excite Medical, the developers and manufacturers of the DRX 9000 Non-surgical decompression system.
Is The DRX 9000 Spinal Decompression System FDA-Cleared To Treat Stenosis?
The DRX 9000 non-surgical spinal decompression system is a medical device that has an FDA clearance and is deigned to treat; spinal disc displacement, degenerative spinal discs, and posterior facet syndrome all of which are contributing causes of stenosis in the spine.
Is The DRX 9000 Spinal Decompression A Nonsurgical Option For Stenosis?
The DRX 9000 Spinal Decompression System is a non-surgical option as opposed to having medical intervention such as epidural injections, nerve ablations, spinal laminectomy, discectomy, and even spinal fusion surgeries.
What Should I Avoid If I Have Spinal Stenosis?
It is not recommended to exercise or stretch during the early stages of spinal stenosis. The spinal disc must first become stable before any form of strengthening or stretching exercises can occur. The reason is that muscles, ligaments, and tendons attach to the disc structure. Performing these movements before the disc is stable can exacerbate the patient’s condition and may require a longer recovery time. The disc is a fluid-filled ligament, and applying additional pressure to the spine increases the risk of the disc rupturing, which in many cases can be a medical emergency.
$49 Chiropractic Special
Includes Consultation & exam, Free MRI Review, X-Rays, Dr’s Report of Findings on Day 2.
