Should I Tell My Treating Spine Specialist That Im Getting Massage
Absolutely! In fact, a July 2016 survey by the American Massage Therapy Association found that more than 51 million American adults had discussed massage therapy with their health care providers in 2015.
Because there is not a lot of inter-professional dialogue or shared record keeping between massage therapists and other health care providers, patients/clients should take it upon themselves to link the various treatment approaches together. Ultimately, you want the care provided by your multiple health care providers to align with your overall treatment plan.
I encourage all clients to talk to their physicians about their massage therapy sessions. To really create a strong synergy between what your spine specialist recommends and the work of your massage therapist, I suggest clients ask questions to their massage therapist about their work. Essentially, ask your therapist what he or she is doing and whyand then take that information back to your spine specialist.
Expect your massage therapist to be able to describe what and why they are doing the things they are doing, so you can share that and your progress with your spine specialist. If a massage therapist cannot explain what and why theyre doing a particular technique in a particular area, you might want to consider finding a different massage therapist. An informational dialogue between you and your massage therapist should be part of every therapy session.
Chiropractors Physical Therapy And Massage Therapy
As a more professional but still alternative approach, finding someone to work on the back and spine area can go a long way towards healing. While these three are all similar, there are subtle differences that will affect treatment and recovery.
A chiropractor focuses on spinal manipulation and routine appointments to keep the spinal stenosis from continuing or worsening. They will be able to locate the problem and use techniques such as joint adjustment and soft tissue mobilization to alleviate pain and attempt to realign the vertebrae. They may also refer their patient to a physical or massage therapist for more intensive treatment.
With physical therapy, a person will be helped through different motions and exercises during an appointment and encouraged to exercise more on their own. Learning how to move the muscles and joints of the body to improve health and reduce pain can go a long way towards relieving the symptoms of lumbar stenosis.
Massage therapy can also be an effective treatment for the pain and stiffness caused by stenosis. While it doesnt focus on the spine itself, there are numerous different modalities of massage that focus on the back and back muscles.
What Are The Causes Of Spinal Stenosis
Some cases of narrow spinal canals are congenital, but on most occasions, the condition is a result of several factors including:
Spinal injuries: Trauma such as those from car accidents or falls can cause a dislocation of one or more bones of the spine. The inflammation of the surrounding tissues after back surgery may similarly put excess pressure on the spinal cord and its nerve network.
Stiff and thickened ligaments: Each of the bones in your spinal cord have tough tissues that join them to other bones. When this tough tissue thickens and bulges, it can lead to a case of spinal stenosis.
Bone overgrowth: Conditions such as osteoarthritis lead to wear and tear on the spinal bones, subsequently causing the formation of spinal spurs.
Old age/herniated discs:As you grow older, the soft cushioning material that works as a shock absorber between the spinal discs gradually dries out and flattens. The result is that the bones press heavily together and form bone spurs. Disc herniation may also be caused by injuries or a dislocation of the spinal bones.
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Can A Chiropractor Help With Spinal Stenosis
It makes sense to turn to a chiropractor when it comes to the structural integrity of the spine. After all, a chiropractors work focuses on correcting alignment in the spine that leads to pain or disease.
Since it is common to see a chiropractor for sciatica, it stands to reason that regular visits to the chiropractor can help with spinal stenosis.
Best Massage Techniques For People With Spinal Stenosis
There are a number of different massage techniques that can be beneficial for people with spinal stenosis. Some of these include Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, and trigger point massage. Each of these techniques can help to release tension and pain in the muscles and tissues surrounding the spine.
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Cbd Dosage For Degenerative Disc Disease
The CBD space remains unregulated, so there are no dosage guidelines or standard dosage charts for specific conditions, including spinal stenosis pain and other symptoms.
A review of studies assessing CBD dosages in clinical populations concluded that an optimal dose could vary from 1 mg to 50 mg per 10 kg of bodyweight depending on the users metabolism, weight, the severity of symptoms, unique body chemistry, and gender.
Its generally recommended to start with a low dose such as 510 mg of CBD and gradually increase the amount until you find a dose that gives you the best results without making you feel dizzy or lethargic.
To learn more about CBD Dosage, head over to this post for a general guideline.
Can Chiropractic Help Spinal Stenosis
The chiropractic approach to spinal stenosis is holistic and addresses the bottom line causes of the condition with the goal of long term wellness.
The best chiropractic treatment for spinal stenosis will be guided by accurate diagnosis, possibly from X-rays or other diagnostic methods, and an understanding of the patients clinical history.
As professional chiropractors, we have seen many of our patients overcome spinal stenosis with chiropractic assistance .
Here are answers to some common questions our patients ask us:
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Among The Techniques Involve In Physiotherapy May Include:
- Manual therapy or hands-on therapy which includes massage, this can help in improving the mobility of stiff joints.
- Use of gentle movements which can help in taking the pressure off the nerve roots
- Strengthening exercises to improve the abdomen and back muscles to provide support to your spinal joints. It can also help in strengthening your arm and leg muscles to help in taking the workload off your spinal joints
- Aerobic exercises to aid in increasing tolerance to handle activities that are affected by this condition
- Stretching to lessen the stress on the joints and improve the mobility of your joints, muscles of spine and extremities
- Use of rehabilitation equipment that can help in reducing pressure on the spinal nerves
- Education to guide you and help you with your posture especially when you stand, walk or sit
There are various types of exercises that can help in strengthening your core and can prevent the progression of this condition. Among these exercises involves such as back flexion, cat/cow pose, curl-ups, abdominal workout and etc. It is vital that before doing any type of exercises, you must ask for your doctors approval.
Also, always remember that Physiotherapy is recommended for mild to moderate cases. Severe cases may need to undergo surgery or will depend on your doctors advice.
Stop Treating Only The Inflammation
Spinal stenosis is caused by a narrowing of your spinal canal. This narrowing can irritate the nerves that travel down your legs. Symptoms are typically worse when you walk. They often get better when you sit down or bend forward.
With this condition, your spinal nerves can become inflamed and irritated. Taking anti-inflammatory medication can bring you some short-term relief.
Relying on anti-inflammatory medication can worsen symptoms. In the long run, anti-inflammatories may limit your ability to move. You will need other therapies to strengthen muscles and prevent more damage.
To treat your condition, you must change the biomechanics of your spinethe way your spine moves. You can do this by exercising and correcting your posture.
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Is There A Difference Between The Type Of Massage I Receive In A Clinical Environment Spa Or Health Club Does It Really Matter Where I Get A Massage
Before I answer this question, ask yourself what you want to get out of massage. That will provide insight into which environment you should pursue for your treatment.
While the place of massage doesnt necessarily predict the type of massage therapist, it does offer a good indication on the specialty. For instance, some therapists seek additional education in performance enhancement , and those therapists often work in health clubs, gyms, or other environments that promote sports and athletic engagement. If you want to relax and be pampered, seeking out a massage in a resort or spa is a good choice. If you are seeking pain management related to a back, neck, or other medical issues, massage therapists in a clinical environment are more likely to be specially trained in managing spinal pain or other potentially complex issues.
My advice is to match your treatment location to what you want to get out of your massage therapy session.
Is Walking Good For Spinal Stenosis
While some people might want to hit the couch when the pain of spinal stenosis comes on, a better idea is to lace up your shoes and hit the road. Walking is a full-body, low-impact exercise that improves overall health. The benefits of walking especially in nature, if you can manage it are countless.
- Walking not only decreases pain it also increases quality of life
Walking is free, low-impact, available to most everyone, and a great primary treatment for spinal stenosis.
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Conventional Spinal Stenosis Treatments & Their Side Effects
Doctors usually diagnose spinal stenosis via tests such as MRI scan, X-ray, or CT myelogram
Treatments for spinal stenosis depend on the location of the condition and the severity of symptoms. A physician may prescribe conventional painkillers, including:
- Anti-seizure drugs like gabapentin or pregabalin
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- Opioids such as oxycodone or hydrocodone
- Tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline
However, the above treatments come with a risk of dangerous side effects, such as liver damage, kidney failure, weight gain, hormonal imbalances, autoimmune diseases, nausea, and vomiting not to mention the high potential for dependence and withdrawals when it comes to opioids.
Patients with spinal stenosis tend to become less active physically over time due to the pain experienced when moving. However, this can only cause muscle weakness to deteriorate. Therefore, physical therapy is often recommended as the go-to treatment to improve balance and regain strength and endurance.
Other possible spinal stenosis treatments include:
- People with spinal stenosis can ask their doctor about this procedure. Decompression involves removing compressed ligaments from the back of the spine. The process is known as image-guided lumbar decompression and doesnt require general anesthesia.
There are also clinical studies involving the use of stem cells to treat degenerative disc disease. Researchers are also testing several genomic medications.
Looking For A Certified And Skilled Physiotherapist In Coquitlam
If your physician has recommended you to go for Physiotherapy in Coquitlam for your spinal stenosis, we can help you out. At Evergreen Rehab and Wellness, we have certified and skilled physiotherapist that can help you with your condition.
Our physiotherapist will apply a combination of techniques to help you with your specific needs. We are always ready to ease your pain. You may book online using the link here.
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Spinal Stenosis Exercises And Activities To Do More Of
Spinal stenosis is a serious spinal condition that requires a medical diagnosis and a course of treatment. But when that course of treatment permits the use of physical therapy and exercise as a preferred alternative to something potentially more invasive, there are many options available to you depending on the nature and severity of your condition. Some things to consider include:
Natural Remedies For Spinal Stenosis And Pain
Herbal therapies are often used as complementary treatments for stenosis or other issues you might be facing. A certified Chinese herbalist will create a unique herbal formula for your condition and suggest combining it with acupuncture, dry needling, physical therapies, or other treatments you receive. That way, youll notice the improvement much sooner. Herbal remedies may be taken orally or topically, while there is also a group of anti-inflammatory formulas. When applied as massage oils, they can ease the nerve pain and tension. Self-care is another vital phase of your treatment and recovery. Apart from regular follow-up appointments with your practitioner to monitor your condition, you should implement the following:
Other treatment options for stenosis include:
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How Cbd Helps To Alleviate Symptoms Of Spinal Stenosis
CBDs potential in controlling the symptoms of spinal stenosis is largely attributed to its interaction with endocannabinoid receptors, serotonin receptors, and TRPV-1 vanilloid receptors.
In a 2014 study published in the British Journal of Pharmacology, CBD was found to inhibit chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain. The researchers discovered that the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of CBD could be produced partly by its interaction with the 5-HT1A receptor.
Interestingly, this interaction can also reduce anxiety levels, a more stable mood, and better emotional control.
A 2019 study further confirmed these findings in a mice model, showing that CBD decreased anxiety-like behavior and normalized serotonin activity.
CBD can also mitigate pain signals by engaging with TRPV-1 vanilloid receptors, which are the same receptors that respond to the terpenes in vanilla beans these essential oils are responsible for the pain-dampening properties of vanilla the reason why it has been widely used in folk medicine.
In a 2012 study published in Pharmaceuticals, the authors found a strong link between TRPV1 cells and autoimmune diseases and inflammation. This fuels the hypothesis that CBDs impact on TRPV1 receptors helps mitigate pain signals and curb inflammation.
Avoid Loading A Rounded Back
Free weights can be a great boon to someone with back pain, provided they are working with a professional and have received prior clearance from their doctor. Certain exercises can greatly strengthen the muscles that support the spine and make it easier to maintain a healthier posture in a variety of activities and positions. Free weight exercises can also help you address unilateral imbalances in your body, such as uneven strength in the legs, hips, shoulders, and arms, which can translate into more back pain.
But when performed incorrectly, free weight exercises can easily lead to injury. One such example is any exercise requiring hip hinging, from bent over rows and flies to the deadlift. Any rounding in the back can greatly destabilize the muscles around the spine, and cause shearing forces to impact the spine, affecting the discs. Be sure to work your way up in difficulty and weight one step at a time, to avoid any excessive force on the back.
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What Are The Symptoms Of Spinal Stenosis
Some people dont show symptoms when their spinal stenosis develops initially. This is because the spinal canal narrows and worsens gradually with time. Furthermore, various patients may exhibit different symptoms, and it may even come and go.
The paragraphs below enumerate the symptoms of spinal stenosis :
- Electric-like or burning sensation or pains in the lower back. These pains may come and go.
- Feeling pins and needles sensations in the leg, foot, and buttocks
- A feeling of heaviness in the legs, which may result in cramping in one or both legs.
- Loss of bowel or bladder control in highly severe cases
- Weakness in the foot as the condition deteriorates.
- Pain that lessens when bending or leaning slightly forward, sitting, and walking uphill
- Worsening of pains when standing for a long time or walking downhill.
Here are symptoms of spinal stenosis :
- Loss of hand function, which includes having issues buttoning shirts or writing.
- Neck pain, or tingling, in the arm, leg, or foot.
- Clumsiness or weakness in the hand, arm, leg, or foot.
- Issues with maintaining balance.
- Loss of bowel or bladder control
Mentioned below are symptoms of spinal stenosis :
- Problems with balance.
What Kind Of Massage Is Best
There are some different types of massages that may be beneficial for people with spinal stenosis. These include:
Swedish massage: long, fluid strokes that are meant to improve circulation and relax the muscles.
Trigger point therapy: concentrates on specific areas of tension in order to target the source of pain.
Sports massage: used to help athletes recover from workouts and injuries by improving circulation, reducing stiffness, and relieving soreness.
Deep tissue massage: focuses on the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissues to improve elasticity, soothe soreness, and reduce pain.
No matter which type of massage you choose, make sure to schedule sessions regularly. Your doctor can tell you how often is best for your condition or if its not safe for you to have massages at all!
If your doctor says that theyre okay, then there should be no problem with having them. However, if you have any questions or concerns then its best to speak with a medical professional first!
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Causes Of Spinal Stenosis
With so many ways to treat spinal stenosis, seeking advice from your doctor and choosing the best way to treat spinal stenosis depends on its causes.
This is why an accurate diagnosis is crucial to the medication and solution you will need to take. Some may require physical therapy, while psychological factors may greatly influence some, and so on.
If the diagnosis is inaccurate, you might take the wrong medication, leading to more pain.
That said, here are a few causes worth mentioning:
- Bone overgrowth
To read more about each cause, the following link might help.
Physical Therapy Guide To Spinal Stenosis
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It is estimated that as many as 80% of us will experience some form of back or neck pain at some point in our lifetimes. Spinal stenosis can be one cause of back and neck pain. It affects your vertebrae , narrowing the openings within those bones where the spinal cord and nerves pass through.
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