Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of one or more areas of the spinal canal due to injury or deterioration of the discs, joints, or bones of the spine. Most cases develop as a result of degenerative changes associated with aging. Osteoarthritis is the primary cause, as cartilage deterioration allows bones to rub against each other. Repeated abnormal contact can lead to bone spur formation, which further narrows the spinal canal.

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Other causes include traumatic injury, herniated discs, ligament thickening, and, in rare cases, spinal tumors. A subtype called foraminal stenosis occurs when the foramen—the openings in the vertebrae that allow nerve roots to pass through—becomes narrowed.

Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis

Symptoms of spinal stenosis vary but often include:

  • Pain in the back, neck, shoulders, or extremities
  • Muscle cramping
  • Numbness or loss of sensation in affected areas
  • Loss of balance
  • Bladder or bowel dysfunction

While bladder or bowel control issues are rare, they are particularly serious and typically require surgical intervention.

Diagnosis of Spinal Stenosis

Diagnosing spinal stenosis begins with a medical history review and physical examination. Diagnosis can be challenging because symptoms may mimic other conditions and sometimes appear only intermittently. Imaging tests are usually necessary to confirm the condition and identify the affected spinal region, including:

  • X-rays
  • MRI scans
  • CT scans
  • Bone scans

An electromyography (EMG) may also be performed to evaluate electrical activity in the affected muscles.

Treatment of Spinal Stenosis

At Michigan Integrative Health, our approach does not follow traditional insurance-based guidelines. We do not use drugs or surgery. After a consultation, examination, and assessment, you will know if you are a candidate for care and which services, products, and procedures can help reduce pain, restore function, and improve quality of life. Our goal is to either eliminate your pain or significantly decrease your suffering so you can regain control of your life.