Spinal Stenosis: Pain, Function, and Nervous System Health

"Indianapolis patients: Learn how spinal stenosis affects your spine, nerves, and daily function—and how chiropractic care can help reduce pain, restore mobility, and optimize nervous system function."

Whether you’re an active adult, a weekend warrior, or managing age-related spinal changes, spinal stenosis can make everyday movement challenging. This condition, characterized by narrowing of the spinal canal, can compress nerves and cause pain, numbness, or weakness. At Electric Life Chiropractic in Indianapolis, we focus on reducing discomfort, restoring spinal function, and optimizing nervous system coordination, helping you move more comfortably and safely."

What Spinal Stenosis Is

• Definition: Narrowing of the spinal canal or neural foramina, compressing spinal nerves

• Common Locations: Cervical (neck) and lumbar (lower back) regions

• Symptoms: Pain, numbness, tingling, weakness in extremities, reduced endurance or mobility

Key Structures Involved:

• Vertebrae and intervertebral discs

• Facet joints and ligamentum flavum

• Spinal nerves and nerve roots

• Paraspinal muscles and supporting ligaments

• Nervous system pathways controlling sensation and motor function

Neurological Implications

• Nerve compression can cause radiculopathy, tingling, or weakness in arms or legs

• Altered spinal mechanics overload surrounding muscles, increasing pain and fatigue

• Nervous system dysfunction may affect balance, coordination, and proprioception

• Neuroplasticity allows for retraining movement patterns and improving functional mobility, even with structural narrowing

How It Happens – Causes

• Degenerative changes in discs and facet joints

• Thickening of ligaments over time

• Bone spurs from osteoarthritis

• Trauma or injury causing spinal canal narrowing

• Genetic or congenital spinal canal narrowing

How Chiropractic Care Helps

Spinal stenosis chiropractic care in Indianapolis focuses on:

1. Spinal Adjustments / Mobilizations: Restore motion and reduce irritation

2. Soft Tissue Therapy: Relieve tension in paraspinal muscles

3. Strengthening Core & Stabilizers: Support spinal alignment and reduce load

4. FMSA Integration: Identify compensatory movement patterns and weaknesses

5. Pain Reduction & Function Improvement: Improve endurance, balance, and mobility

Rehabilitation & Functional Support

Mobility Exercises

• Cat-Cow and gentle spinal flexion/extension

• Pelvic tilts to reduce lumbar compression

• Hip and thoracic mobility exercises

Stability & Strengthening

• Bird Dog, Dead Bug, and Glute Bridges

• Side Planks for lateral stability

• Core and pelvic floor activation

Neuroplasticity & Movement Retraining

• Mindful posture drills and alignment awareness

• Controlled movement sequences for safe extension and rotation

• Mirror or video feedback to reinforce proper patterns

At-Home Support / Modalities

• Ice or heat for pain relief

• Foam rolling paraspinal muscles and glutes

• Ergonomic adjustments at desk, home, and in daily activity

• Walking or low-impact movement to maintain mobility

Recovery Time & Risk

• Mild spinal stenosis: 2–6 weeks with targeted exercises and adjustments

• Moderate: 4–8 weeks focusing on function and symptom management

• Severe: ongoing, with functional improvements prioritized over full structural change

• Early chiropractic intervention improves spinal mobility, nervous system coordination, and quality of life

Key Takeaways

• Spinal stenosis can cause pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in neck, back, and extremities

• Chiropractic care with FMSA-guided rehab restores spinal function and nervous system coordination

• Strengthening stabilizers and retraining movement patterns improves balance, posture, and daily mobility

• Structural narrowing may remain, but functional improvements are achievable

"If you’re experiencing pain, numbness, or weakness from spinal stenosis, chiropractic care can help restore function and reduce discomfort. At Electric Life Chiropractic in Indianapolis, we use Functional Movement Screening Analysis (FMSA) to create personalized plans that strengthen stabilizers, optimize spinal alignment, and retrain your nervous system. Schedule a consultation today to move more comfortably and safely every day."