What is Spinal Stenosis? - Dr. Brian Prieto

Understanding Spinal Stenosis: Dr. Brian Prieto Yorba Linda Chiropractor Explains

Welcome to Prieto Chiropractic and Spinal Decompression Center, located in North Orange County, Yorba Linda, California. I’m Dr. Brian Prieto, and today, we’re diving into an important question: "What is spinal stenosis?"

Spinal stenosis occurs in two main areas of the spine: the central canal, which runs vertically through the spine, and the lateral foraminal canal, located at the sides of each vertebra. Central canal stenosis involves the narrowing of the canal housing the spinal cord due to the encroachment of various materials, such as bulging discs, thickened ligaments, bone spurs (osteophytes), or cysts. This narrowing, or stenosis, can lead to symptoms like pain, numbness, and tingling down both legs, especially when walking.

Lateral foraminal stenosis, on the other hand, affects one side of the body and is caused by similar issues—bulging discs, cysts, or osteophytes in the lateral parts of the spine. This type of stenosis typically results in pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness on one side of the leg or arm, depending on whether the stenosis is in the lumbar or cervical region.

If you're experiencing symptoms down both arms or hands, it could be an indication of central or lateral stenosis in the cervical area, highlighting the condition's impact beyond the lumbar spine.
This brief overview introduces the basic concepts of spinal stenosis and its potential symptoms. For those interested in deeper insights or exploring non-surgical treatment options like spinal decompression therapy, please check out our other videos.

Thank you for joining us at Prieto Chiropractic and Spinal Decompression Center as we explore essential spinal health topics.