Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal that puts pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots. It most commonly affects the lumbar (low back) and cervical (neck) regions and is usually age-related. Many patients can manage stenosis effectively with a combination of decompression, manual therapy, targeted exercise, and — when needed — interventional pain procedures.
Also known as: Lumbar stenosis, Cervical stenosis, Spinal canal narrowing
Symptoms of spinal stenosis
- Leg pain or heaviness when standing or walking ('neurogenic claudication')
- Relief when sitting or leaning forward (e.g., on a shopping cart)
- Numbness or weakness in the legs or arms
- Reduced walking tolerance over time
- Balance problems with cervical stenosis
Common causes
- Age-related disc and facet degeneration
- Osteoarthritis with bone spur formation
- Thickened ligamentum flavum
- Spondylolisthesis
- Prior spinal trauma or surgery
How we treat spinal stenosis
We combine multiple disciplines under one roof so you get the right care for your case — not just whatever one provider happens to offer.
Spinal decompression
Unloads the spine and creates more room in the canal — particularly helpful for lumbar stenosis.
Learn more →Physical therapy
Flexion-biased exercises, core strengthening, and walking tolerance training.
Learn more →Chiropractic care
Mobility work and adjustments to maintain spinal motion and reduce compensatory pain.
Learn more →Epidural steroid injections
Reduce nerve inflammation in the canal — often dramatically improves walking tolerance.
Learn more →What to expect on your first visit
- Detailed walking tolerance and neurological exam
- Imaging review (we typically need MRI for stenosis cases)
- Multi-modal plan with realistic goals tied to your daily activities
- Coordination with pain management for injection candidates
- Surgical referral only if conservative care plateaus
Frequently asked questions
Can spinal stenosis be reversed?
The bony narrowing itself usually can't be reversed, but symptoms can be substantially reduced with the right combination of decompression, exercise, and pain management. Many patients return to walking, working, and traveling comfortably.
Will I eventually need surgery for stenosis?
Not necessarily. Most patients manage well with conservative care for years. Surgery is considered when walking tolerance becomes severely limited or there's progressive neurological loss.
Is walking good or bad for spinal stenosis?
Walking is good — ideally in short, frequent bouts and with a slight forward lean. We help you build tolerance gradually so walking becomes easier rather than something to avoid.
Ready to start treatment?
Same-day appointments available. We accept most major insurance, workers' comp, and personal injury liens.
Related conditions we treat
Other spine and musculoskeletal conditions commonly seen alongside spinal stenosis.
Sciatica
Sciatica is pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve — from the lower back, through the buttock, and down one leg. It's almost always caused by compression or irritation of a lumbar nerve root, most often from a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or facet arthritis. The good news: the vast majority of sciatica cases resolve without surgery when treated early with the right combination of decompression, manual therapy, and rehab.
Learn more →Herniated Disc
A herniated disc happens when the soft inner core of a spinal disc pushes through a tear in the tough outer layer, often pressing on a nearby nerve root. It can occur in the cervical (neck), thoracic (mid-back), or lumbar (low back) spine. While the term sounds alarming, most herniated discs respond very well to non-surgical care that combines decompression, chiropractic adjustments, and rehab.
Learn more →Degenerative Disc Disease
Degenerative disc disease isn't really a disease — it's the gradual wear-and-tear that happens to spinal discs as we age. Many people have disc degeneration on imaging without any pain at all. The job is to figure out whether your discs are actually the source of your pain, and if so, to combine decompression, manual therapy, and rehab to relieve it without surgery.
Learn more →