Question
what can be done to relieve the pain , or the numbness in the legs, what is the  steps to getting well from this . i hurt and can't sleep at night. and does lifting and pullin  on objects cause this problem?

Answer
Dear Peggy,

Chiropractic physicians have a few tools to specifically address your issues in combination with spinal adjustments.  There are special techniques and devices that can be utilized to target the disk and the nerve root, aimed at the reduction of pressure and inflammation of those structures.

The key words to look for when researching possible chiropractic treatments in your area are:  flexion/distraction technique, cox flexion tables, intervertebral disk decompression, and posture pump (expanding ellipsoid traction).

Lifting and pulling can make your condition worse, but only if the lifting and pulling places more stress on the affected disk material and nerve root.  Realize that anything lifted will increase the compression of the disks in the spine due to gravity.  Additionally, repetitive bending and rotation will make these problems worse as it fatigues the supporting musculature and will further weaken the involved disk fibers.  I would recommend that you keep the pulling and lifting to a minimum.

Spinal stenosis means that the canal containing the spinal cord has been reduced in diameter either due to soft tissue encroachment of arthritic changes.  Stenosis in the neuroforamen means that the exiting nerve root has been compressed or lack the room to move freely which results in inflammation and pain.  If the stenosis is from a soft tissue structure, then it can be reduced, but it the stenosis has been caused by bony overgrowth (arthritic changes) then surgery is the only way to reduce it.

Hope this helps Peggy.

Respectfully,
Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman
www.suncoasthealthcare.net