What is spinal stenosis, and what are its symptoms?
Spinal stenosis refers to the narrowing of the spaces within your spine, which can compress the spinal cord and nerves. Symptoms include:
-
Lower back pain and stiffness
-
Numbness or tingling in the legs or feet
-
Weakness or heaviness in the legs
-
Pain that worsens with standing or walking, improves when sitting or bending forward
-
Difficulty walking or maintaining balance
What causes spinal stenosis?
Common causes include:
-
Age-related wear and tear (degenerative changes)
-
Herniated discs
-
Thickened ligaments or bone spurs
-
Spinal injuries or trauma
-
Congenital spinal abnormalities
What are typical treatments for spinal stenosis?
Conventional treatments include:
-
Pain medications and anti-inflammatories
-
Physical therapy focused on stretching and strengthening
-
Epidural steroid injections
-
Assistive devices (canes, walkers)
-
Surgery (decompression or fusion) for severe cases
What are the limitations or challenges of these treatments?
Patients often report:
-
Medications mask pain but don’t address nerve compression
-
Exercises can be painful or difficult with severe symptoms
-
Injections provide temporary relief
-
Surgery involves risk, cost, and recovery time
-
Symptoms may recur after surgery
How does The Pain Relief Practice approach spinal stenosis differently?
Our focus is on non-invasive, evidence-based therapies that aim to reduce nerve pressure, improve spinal mobility, and relieve pain.
Treatment options include:
-
Computerized spinal decompression therapy: Gently relieves pressure on spinal nerves by creating negative pressure to promote disc retraction and reduce nerve irritation.
-
Shockwave therapy (from $180/session): Helps reduce muscle tension and improve circulation around the spine.
-
Pioneered HotHeal Therapy Protocol: Combines manual therapy with non-invasive radiofrequency to reduce inflammation and support tissue repair.
-
Pioneered Home Therapy Protocol: Unique to our clinic, utilizing FDA-approved PEMF, Regenerix Gold, and Korean transdermal technology for ongoing home support.
Is treatment suitable for all spinal stenosis patients?
Yes. We customize treatments based on symptom severity, mobility level, and patient tolerance, including elderly or frail patients.
How soon can patients expect improvement?
Many notice reduced pain and improved function within a few sessions, with ongoing gains supported by home therapies.
When is surgery recommended?
Surgery may be advised if:
-
Severe nerve compression causes weakness or loss of bowel/bladder control
-
Conservative care fails after several months
-
Imaging shows significant spinal canal narrowing
We provide second opinions to help patients consider all options before surgery.
Why choose The Pain Relief Practice for spinal stenosis?
-
Clinic established since 2007 at Shaw House
-
Pioneers of the HotHeal and Home Therapy Protocols
-
Trusted by patients from over 20 countries and national athletes
-
Affordable shockwave and decompression therapy options
-
Focus on safe, comfortable, non-invasive treatments
-
Techniques taught internationally
