Spinal Stenosis

“Spinal stenosis” is one of the terms patients might hear the most frequently at the Central Virginia Chiropractic Center in Lynchburg, which is why we want to make sure they know what it means. It refers to narrowing of the spinal channel through which the spinal cord passes, which increases the risk that the patient will develop a pinched nerve.

Generally, spinal stenosis will occur in the neck (cervical stenosis) or in the lower back (lumbar stenosis). Some people get stenosis because they have a genetic predisposition to grow bone spurs or a small spinal channel to begin with. But in most cases, the cause is wear and tear on the spine over a long period. This can cause disks to herniate and the bone to degenerate and grow misshapen. A pinched nerve in the lumbar region can cause pain, weakness, or numbness in the legs as well as in the back. A pinched nerve in the neck can cause those problems in the arms as well as the legs and interfere with the patient’s balance.

At our chiropractic clinic, we will ascertain the cause of a patient’s symptoms through imaging tests and a tactile examination. If spinal stenosis turns out to be the issue, we can treat it with adjustments, hot or cold packs, decompression, depending on the stenosis’s cause.

Dr. Darlene Holland operates Central Virginia Chiropractic Center, Inc. at 7327 Timberlake Rd, Lynchburg, Virginia, 24502. To schedule an appointment, visit Central Virginia Chiropractic or call 434-237-0413.

 

Tailbone Injuries

Among the most painful problems we see patients suffering from at the Central Virginia Chiropractic Center in Lynchburg are tailbone injuries. As part of the spine, the tailbone falls within the particular interest of chiropractors, and problems with it can affect the nerves in other parts of the body.

The Tailbone is scientifically known as the coccyx, and tailbone injuries as coccydynia. It’s actually made up of several vertebrae fused together. While its position in the body usually protects it from injuries, it can be bruised or fractured by activities such as biking and horseback riding, or by childbirth.

A bruised tailbone is painful, but it is also concerning because it can cause sciatica. This means that a patient’s sciatic nerve may be pinched, causing weakness, pain, numbness, or tingling in the leg, as well as incontinence and sexual dysfunction.  By using adjustments, ice packs, and electric muscle stimulation, we can ease a patient’s discomfort while the bruise heals naturally. In the meantime, we also can recommend chiropractic cushions, called wedges, and therapeutic exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor.

Dr. Darlene Holland operates Central Virginia Chiropractic Center, Inc. at 7327 Timberlake Rd, Lynchburg, Virginia, 24502. To schedule an appointment, visit Central Virginia Chiropractic or call 434-237-0413.