Low back, leg and neck condition · Canton, OH
Spinal stenosis treatment in Canton, OH
Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spaces in the spine that can squeeze the spinal cord or nerves, often causing back pain and leg pain or heaviness when standing or walking. At Belden Village Chiropractic and Wellness Center in Canton, OH, we start with a full exam and imaging review, then walk you through non-surgical care options.
Reviewed by Dr. Brent Ungar, DC · Last reviewed [date]
- 40+ years in practice
- Non-surgical care
- Spinal decompression on site
Spinal stenosis at a glance
| Also called | Lumbar or cervical stenosis, central or foraminal stenosis |
|---|---|
| Body area | Most often the low back (lumbar spine); also the neck (cervical spine) |
| Structure involved | Spinal canal and the openings where nerve roots leave the spine |
| Common symptoms | Leg pain, heaviness or cramping with standing or walking that eases when sitting, numbness, tingling, back or neck pain |
| Common causes | Disc wear, bone spurs, thickened spinal ligaments, arthritis in the spinal joints |
| How we evaluate | Health history, physical and neurological exam, imaging review (MRI if needed) |
| Care options | Spinal decompression, chiropractic adjustments, physical rehabilitation, home exercise |
| Referral needed? | [confirm with practice] |
What is spinal stenosis?
Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal or of the openings where nerves leave the spine. When the space gets tight, it can press on the spinal cord or nerve roots and cause pain, numbness, tingling or weakness, often in the legs.
It most often affects the low back, where it can cause leg pain or heaviness that gets worse with walking or standing and eases when you sit or lean forward. In the neck, it can affect the arms, hands and balance.
How narrow the spine looks on imaging does not always match how much it hurts. That is why care starts with a full exam and a review of your imaging.
Spinal stenosis symptoms and causes
What does spinal stenosis feel like?
Symptoms often build slowly and change with your position.
- Low back or neck pain that gets worse with standing, walking or leaning back
- Leg pain, cramping, heaviness or tiredness that eases when you sit or lean forward
- Numbness, tingling or burning in the buttocks, legs or feet
- Arm or hand weakness, numbness or clumsiness (neck)
- Trouble walking distances that used to be easy
What causes spinal stenosis?
Most stenosis develops over years as the spine changes with age.
- Worn, flattened or bulging discs
- Bone spurs from arthritis
- Thickened spinal ligaments
- Arthritis in the small joints of the spine (facet joints)
- Risk factors: age over 50, a past spine injury or surgery, a naturally narrow spinal canal
Is it spinal stenosis or something else?
Other problems, including poor circulation in the legs, can cause similar leg pain. Your exam helps tell them apart, and we refer you to a physician if we suspect a blood flow problem.
| Feature | Spinal stenosis | Herniated disc | Poor leg circulation (PAD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Where it hurts | Low back, buttocks and often both legs | Back, often traveling down one leg | Calves, thighs or buttocks during activity |
| Other signs | Leg heaviness, numbness or tingling that eases when sitting or leaning forward | Numbness, tingling or weakness along one nerve path | Cramping that eases with rest, even standing still; cold feet |
| Often worse with | Standing, walking and leaning back | Sitting, bending, coughing or sneezing | Walking uphill or any exercise |
Get emergency care right away if
- You lose control of your bladder or bowels
- You have numbness in the groin, inner thighs or buttocks
- Weakness in your arms or legs is getting worse
- You have new trouble with balance or using your hands
- Pain started after a major fall or car crash
- You also have a fever or unexplained weight loss
What to expect at our Canton office
Our typical process involves:
- Obtaining a thorough history of the problem and health history of the patient
- Performing a complete examination of the patient
- Obtaining any diagnostic tests (if necessary) to better understand the problem
- Discussing the diagnosis with you
- Reviewing the findings and treatment options with you
Every case is different and results vary.
Your first visit for back and leg pain
Before
Wear comfortable clothes. Bring any MRI or X-ray reports and a list of medications.
During
We ask how far you can walk and what eases your symptoms, check your strength, reflexes, sensation and balance, and review any imaging you bring.
After
We explain what we found and the options that fit, so you can decide how to move forward.
Spinal stenosis care options in Canton
Every care plan depends on your exam and imaging. Options your provider may recommend include:
- Spinal decompression Slow, computer-guided stretch that may ease pressure on the spinal canal and nerve openings.
- Chiropractic adjustments Gentle, targeted care to improve how the low back and pelvis move.
- Physical rehabilitation Guided exercises, including forward-bending movements, to build strength and walking tolerance.
- Home exercise and posture guidance Stretches, walking plans and daily habits to help between visits.
If conservative care is not enough, your provider can talk with you about other options, such as injections or a surgical consult, and coordinate with your physician.
Can’t walk as far as you used to without leg pain?
Your spinal stenosis care team
Dr. Brent Ungar, DC
Chiropractic Physician | Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician | Laser Therapy Educator
Dr. Anthony Gatelaro, DC
Chiropractic Physician | Over 30 Years of Experience
Spinal stenosis questions we hear in Canton
Non-surgical care is usually tried first for spinal stenosis. Options include spinal decompression, chiropractic care, exercise and activity changes. Some people need injections or a surgical consult. Your exam and imaging review help show which path fits, and we refer you to a physician when other care is the better choice.
Spinal decompression uses a computer-guided table to gently separate the vertebrae. This may ease pressure on the spinal canal and nerve roots, which can calm irritated nerves. Your provider decides whether it fits your case after your exam.
Stenosis at more than one level does not automatically rule you out. We review your imaging to find the levels most likely tied to your symptoms and tell you whether decompression is a reasonable option.
Not necessarily. How severe the spine looks on imaging does not always match how much pain you have or how well you move. Your exam and history help show whether non-surgical care is worth trying.
Bending forward opens up space in the spinal canal, which can take pressure off the nerves. That is why many people with stenosis feel better leaning on a shopping cart and worse standing up straight or walking.
[Confirm referral wording with practice] If you already have an MRI, bring the report. If not, imaging is ordered only if your exam shows it is needed.
Belden Village Chiropractic and Wellness Center treats spinal stenosis at 4200 Munson Street NW, Suite B, in Canton, near North Canton, Massillon and the Belden Village area.
Visit our Canton office
- Address
- 4200 Munson Street NW, Suite B, Canton, OH 44718
- Phone
- 330-493-0009
- Hours
- Mon–Thu: Dr. Ungar 7:45 a.m.–6 p.m.
Mon–Thu: Dr. Gatelaro 8 a.m.–6 p.m.
Fri–Sun: Closed - Parking
- [parking and entrance notes]
Patients visit us from Canton, North Canton and across Stark County.
Find out if spinal stenosis is behind your leg pain
Start with a full exam, a review of your imaging and a clear talk about your options. Call 330-493-0009 or send a request.