Assessment for symptoms associated with lumbar spinal stenosis.

Lumbar spinal stenosis describes narrowing around structures in the lower spine. Symptoms, severity and appropriate management vary, so imaging findings must be considered with the clinical presentation.

01

Possible symptoms

Some people experience lower-back discomfort, heaviness, tingling, numbness or weakness in one or both legs, particularly with standing or walking. Sitting or bending forward may ease symptoms for some people.

Your assessment considers how these symptoms affect your movement, activity and walking tolerance.

02

Your assessment

Your chiropractor may consider walking tolerance, movement, strength, sensation, balance, health history and existing imaging. This helps shape a plan around your presentation and goals.

03

Conservative management considerations

Management can include education, activity modification, graded exercise and strategies to maintain function. Hands-on care may be considered where appropriate and should support, rather than replace, active management.

04

Spinal decompression and stenosis

People sometimes ask about traction for stenosis-related symptoms. Your chiropractor considers the type of narrowing, health history, clinical findings and previous care when discussing the available options.

Spinal decompression is offered as part of general chiropractic care at ChiroRelief, unless contraindicated after assessment.

05

Prepare for your appointment

Bring any existing scans or reports and make a note of the activities or walking distances that are important to you.

Book online to discuss your presentation with a ChiroRelief chiropractor.

Talk with a ChiroRelief chiropractor about your options.

What patients often ask.

Does spinal stenosis always cause symptoms?+

No. Narrowing seen on imaging does not always correspond to symptoms. A clinician considers how you feel and function as well as any scan findings.

Should I bring my MRI or CT report?+

Yes, bring any existing scan reports or images. They help your clinician consider the findings alongside your symptoms and examination.

Can spinal decompression be considered?+

Your chiropractor can discuss the options available after reviewing your symptoms, function and relevant imaging. The approach depends on your individual presentation.

Book an appointment