Advanced Alternative Medicine Center

The New Angle on Spinal Stenosis

The New Angle on Spinal Stenosis
by Dr. Richard Huntoon

Read The New Angle on Spinal Stenosis by Dr. Richard Huntoon to learn more about Advanced Alternative Medicine Center and our Chiropractic office in Pooler, GA.

We look forward to serving you! Call - 845-561-2225.

Spinal Stenosis

What is stenosis?

Spinal stenosis occurs when the spinal canal narrows, which may be down to a variety of reasons, including mechanical problems brought on by age, thickened ligaments, infection, abscess, developmental or congenital abnormalities, degenerative changes, dislocated or fractured vertebra, or a spinal cord tumor. Lower back pain, limping, and numbness in the legs can result from stenosis, although not always because it is often a degenerative condition that may be in evidence for years without causing any noticeable symptoms. What can trigger symptoms is some sort of trauma, perhaps a fall, that then creates pain characteristic of stenosis.

How stenosis is diagnosed

Understanding the history of the symptoms, performing a physical examination, and conducting imaging tests provide the information needed to make a diagnosis of spinal stenosis. However, an MRI scan does not provide an accurate prognosis for how the condition may develop; a better indicator is an electrodiagnostic study of the spine. Where the stenosis is suspected of being caused by an abscess or infection, blood will be taken for analysis. In the case of a suspected tumor, precise imaging of the spine is necessary to confirm diagnosis.

How stenosis is treated

The cause of a person’s stenosis will largely dictate the treatment options, which fall into three main categories:

  • Conservative medical care – bed-rest, analgesics, local application of heat, and muscle relaxants
  • Conservative chiropractic care – manipulation, exercise, and self-help techniques
  • Surgery

The bad news is that stenosis is a chronic condition and there is no cure. The good news is that the condition can be treated and ameliorated for better long-term health prospects and overall quality of life. A doctor of chiropractic can play a significant part in the management of stenosis.

Stenosis Signs and Symptoms


These may indicate the presence of stenosis:

  • Pain that is triggered by walking, or standing for too long. This pain is known as pseudoclaudication and can be eased by sitting down and leaning forward in a flexed position
  • Legs that feel numb, tingly, hot or cold
  • Muscle weakness and spasms



For Your Health,

Dr. Richard Huntoon

Tags: ,

Leave a Reply

Like Us

Serving All Your Health Care Needs...Naturally!

Advanced Alternative Medicine Center
138 Canal Street
Pooler, GA 31322

Phone: 845-561-2225
Map and Directions

Office Hours

DayMorningAfternoon
Mon7:30am - 12:00pm2:30pm - 7:00pm
Tue9:00am - 12:00pmBy Appointment Only
WedClosedBy Appointment Only
Thu7:30am - 12:00pm2:30pm - 7:00pm
Fri7:30am - 12:00pm2:30pm - 7:00pm
Sat7:30am - 12:00pmClosed
Advanced Alternative Medicine Center Skip to content