You've been diagnosed with spinal stenosis by a North Scottsdale AZ chiropractor. You ask, "Will I need surgery?"

In many cases, no. I absolutely love writing about stenosis! In the last 24 years, I have had many patients who have had stenosis, and with my treatments, have continued their favorite activities without pain. Although I also use traditional chiropractic methods on some patients, I do not recommend those methods for stenosis, herniated or bulging discs. Stenosis is one of the most painful spinal conditions and I have been successfully treating it since 1995. I've seen it all. Since then, I've designed specific protocols, including acupuncture, that treat this debilitating condition without medication or surgery. If this interests you, please read on…

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What Is Spinal Stenosis?

Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of spaces in your spine that puts pressure on your spinal cord or your peripheral nerves.  Spinal stenosis is a severe condition that, in many cases, is manageable conservatively. It's generally caused as a result of degeneration of the discs between the vertebrae. This compresses the nerves or spinal cord, causing pain. Stenosis is a degenerative condition that does not go away on its own. Although the pain may come and go, the condition is still there.

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How Did This Happen?

Many ask how they developed this painful condition. Genetics, poor posture, nutritional deficiencies and other causes exist. No matter what the cause, the effect can be tough to live with. Age is usually a factor.  Back in 1995, when I started as a new physician, most stenosis patients are 65 or older. Today I am finding stenosis patients as young as 33 years old. So age may not always be a factor.

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What Are The Options For Treatment for Spinal Stenosis?

Although this may sound like a very sophisticated and convoluted diagnosis, it may be treated effectively without invasive surgery or radiofrequency ablation.

Surgery is the most invasive treatment. Infection or nerve damage that may be irreversible, is possible. There is also a chance that the surgery may not relieve the symptoms at all. This is called failed surgery.

This is a video of one of my patients who previously had spinal surgery that failed. Check it out to see how I was able to relieve him of the pain and tingling that the surgery actually caused.

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Radiofrequency ablation is another invasive option as well…

This is a procedure that is done with an electrical current that heats an area of nerve tissue to decrease pain in that area. This may last for 6-12 months to many years. Physical therapy is also an option, however, it may not be as effective or long term. Many doctors and therapists recommend changing your activities and lifestyle. My philosophy is to allow the body to heal, so you can still do the activities you love. Yes, there may be some things you can't do at first, but with proper treatment and physical training, most patients can go back to the activities that originally caused them pain.

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So, if you don't want to go through back surgery or another invasive treatment for spinal stenosis - OR you had surgery and it failed - contact me immediately for a consult!