Spinal Stenosis and Spinal Decompression: What to Know

What spinal stenosis is

The spinal canal holds the spinal cord and nerve roots. With age, worn discs, arthritic joints, bone spurs and thickened ligaments can crowd that space (AAOS). It becomes more common with age; most people who have it are older than 50 (Mayo Clinic).

Common symptoms in the low back

Pain, cramping, burning, numbness or tingling in the buttocks or legs
Symptoms that come on with standing or walking and ease with sitting or leaning forward. Some people find walking easier while leaning on a shopping cart (AAOS).
Back pain, in some people
Weakness in a leg or foot in more advanced cases

Stenosis in the neck can cause numbness, weakness, balance trouble or clumsiness with the hands. Those symptoms need prompt medical evaluation (Mayo Clinic).

Why decompression for stenosis is debated

Non-surgical decompression is a form of motorized traction. It can't remove a bone spur or shrink a thickened ligament. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons notes that lumbar traction "may be helpful in some patients" but "offers very limited results" for stenosis, with no scientific evidence of its effectiveness (AAOS). A broader Cochrane review found traction made little or no difference for low back pain in general (Cochrane, 2013). Research on decompression tables specifically is limited.

That doesn't mean everyone with the word "stenosis" on an MRI report is ruled out. Mild narrowing is common and often appears alongside a bulging or herniated disc, which is what decompression is mainly aimed at. But it does mean you should be cautious with any promise that decompression fixes stenosis.

How a consult decides

At a free consultation, Dr. Gordon Stapel, DC looks at your symptoms, exam and any imaging to judge what's most likely causing your pain. Severe stenosis, spinal instability, significant leg weakness or symptoms from the spinal cord in the neck generally point toward a medical or surgical opinion instead. If decompression isn't a reasonable option, you'll hear that, along with other options to consider. Who is and isn't a candidate.

Other treatment options

Common non-surgical care includes physical therapy (stretching and core strengthening), anti-inflammatory medication and epidural steroid injections. Surgery, such as a laminectomy, is usually reserved for people whose pain and weakness seriously limit daily life (AAOS). Decompression vs. surgery.

Questions? Call (801) 491-8688.

Spinal stenosis FAQs

Is spinal decompression good for spinal stenosis?

It's debated. Stenosis is often caused by bone spurs and thickened ligaments, which a table can't remove. Orthopedic surgeons note that lumbar traction offers very limited results for stenosis (AAOS). Some people with stenosis plus a disc problem may still be candidates. A consultation and exam decide whether it's reasonable for you.

Is "decompression surgery" the same thing?

No. "Decompression surgery," such as a laminectomy, is an operation in which a surgeon removes bone, bone spurs or ligament to make more room for the nerves (AAOS). Non-surgical spinal decompression is a motorized table treatment with no incisions. The shared word causes a lot of confusion.

What are the typical signs of lumbar stenosis?

Pain or cramping in one or both legs when standing for a long time or walking, which eases when you sit or bend forward. Back pain may or may not be present (Mayo Clinic; AAOS).

Will stenosis get worse?

Symptoms often start slowly and can get worse over time, but some people with stenosis on imaging have no symptoms at all (Mayo Clinic). Your doctor can help you watch for changes.

Request a free consultation

Prefer to talk now? Call (801) 491-8688. Or send this short form and the office will call you back during business hours, usually within 2 business days.

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This website is operated for Stapel Family Chiropractic (Springville Disc Center) in Springville, Utah. Care is provided by Dr. Gordon Stapel, DC, a licensed chiropractic physician. About this site.