Spine, Back & Neck
Spinal Stenosis
Narrowing of the spaces in the spine that may affect nerve structures.
Also called: Lumbar spinal stenosis, Narrowing of the spinal canal.
Stenosis describes reduced space for the spinal cord or nerve roots. In the lower back it classically produces leg heaviness or aching with walking or standing that eases when sitting or leaning forward.
The degree of narrowing on imaging does not always match the severity of symptoms, so how the body actually functions during walking and standing is a key part of the picture.
Why this matters
Walking distance, shopping and standing at a counter are the activities most often limited, and that limitation affects general fitness over time.
Because reduced activity can affect overall strength and balance, addressing what can be improved functionally matters alongside any medical management.
The brain & nervous-system connection
Where the nervous system fits in
Balance and leg strength are commonly affected, so those are examined alongside the spine itself.
Tracking walking tolerance and neurological findings over time helps determine whether a case is stable or progressing, which shapes how care is coordinated.
What we look at
We look for patterns, not a single test
- Detailed health history and consultation
- NeuroInfiniti Stress Response Evaluation
- Posture and movement
- Balance and coordination testing
- Eye movement or neurological screening when appropriate
- Grip or motor-function testing when appropriate
- Palpation and spinal function
- Other examination procedures based on the individual
Not every person receives every test. What we perform depends on your history, your age and what the examination shows as we go.
Scope of care
What this does — and doesn't — mean
What we do
- • We evaluate chiropractic and musculoskeletal function.
- • We look at nervous-system-related functional findings that fall within our scope.
- • We assess movement, balance and coordination findings.
- • We measure stress-response patterns with the NeuroInfiniti evaluation.
- • We make individualized chiropractic care recommendations and re-measure over time.
What we don't claim
- • We do not diagnose, treat or cure diseases.
- • Chiropractic care is not a treatment for dementia, Alzheimer's disease or other neurological diseases.
- • Chiropractic care is not a replacement for medical care, testing or medication.
- • No outcome is promised. Results vary from person to person.
This is a concern where medical evaluation, imaging or co-management may be the right first step. Dr. Mike Geran will say so plainly if that is what the history and examination suggest.
Common questions
- Will I be adjusted on the first visit?
- Generally no. The first visit is an evaluation visit. Dr. Geran reviews the findings and makes recommendations at the follow-up visit.
- Do I need imaging before I come in?
- Not usually. If your history or examination suggests imaging is needed, we will say so and help arrange the right next step.
When medical evaluation may be needed
Stenosis is a condition where co-management with your medical provider is often appropriate. Progressive weakness or changes in bowel or bladder function require immediate medical care.
- Progressive leg weakness
- Loss of bowel or bladder control
- Rapidly worsening walking tolerance
Related at Foothills Chiropractic
- Low Back Pain & Sciatica — Low back pain is common, but the place that hurts is not always where the problem is being driven from.
- Back Pain — One of the most common reasons people look for a chiropractor — and rarely as simple as one sore muscle.
- Cervical Disc Herniation — Disc change in the neck, sometimes with arm symptoms.
- Cervical Spondylosis — Age-related change in the neck joints and discs, often seen on imaging.
Think Foothills Chiropractic might be right for you?
Start Here walks you through what the process looks like, so you can decide whether taking the next step makes sense for you.