Imaging & Diagnostics

Spinal Stenosis MRI: Injury Medical Chiropractor

Spinal stenosis is when space somewhere along or within the spine begins to narrow, closing off the ability of normal/comfortable movement and nerve circulation. It can affect different areas, including the cervical/neck, lumbar/low back, and, less commonly, the thoracic/upper or mid-back regions causing tingling, numbness, cramping, pain, muscle weakness, or a combination in the back, leg/s, thighs, and buttocks. There can be various factors causing the stenosis; correct diagnosing is the first step, and where a spinal stenosis MRI comes in.

Spinal Stenosis MRI

Stenosis can be challenging to diagnose as it is more of a symptom/complication than a condition, often caused by herniated discs, bone spurs, a congenital condition, post-surgery, or after an infection. Magnetic resonance imaging/MRI is a common test used in diagnosis.

Diagnosis

  • A healthcare professional, like a chiropractor, physical therapist, spine specialist, or physician, will begin with understanding symptoms and medical history.
  • A physical exam will be conducted to learn more about the location, duration, positions, or activities that decrease or worsen the symptoms.
  • Additional tests include muscle strength, gain analysis, and balance testing to help better understand where the pain is coming from.
  • To confirm a diagnosis, imaging will be required to see what is going on.
  • An MRI uses computer-generated imaging to produce images that show bone and soft tissues, like muscles, nerves, and tendons, and if they are compressed or irritated.
  • A healthcare professional and MRI technician will go over the safety requirements before the imaging.
  • Because the machine uses powerful magnets, there can be no metal on or in the body, like implanted prostheses or devices that include:
  • Pacemakers
  • Cochlear implants
  • Medication infusion pumps
  • Intrauterine contraceptives
  • Neurostimulators
  • Intracranial aneurysm clips
  • Bone-growth stimulators
  • A different imaging test may be used if an individual cannot have an MRI like a CT scan.

An MRI can range from several minutes to an hour or longer, depending on how many positions are necessary to isolate the injured area and get a clear image. The test is painless, but sometimes individuals are asked to maintain a specific position that could be uncomfortable. The technician/s will ask if there is discomfort and offer any help to make the experience as easy as possible.

Treatment

Not all cases of stenosis cause symptoms, but there are treatment options that a healthcare professional can recommend.

  • Conservative care is the first recommendation that includes chiropractic, decompression, traction, and physical therapy.
  • Treatment increases muscle strength, improves range of motion, improves posture and balance, decreases discomfort symptoms, and incorporates strategies to prevent and manage symptoms.
  • Prescription medications could be part of a larger treatment plan.
  • Surgery could become an option in more severe cases where conservative care is not working.

Spinal Stenosis


References

Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects (DARE): Quality-assessed Reviews [Internet]. York (UK): Centre for Reviews and Dissemination (UK); 1995-. Diagnosis of lumbar spinal stenosis: an updated systematic review of the accuracy of diagnostic tests. 2013. Available from: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK142906/

Ghadimi M, Sapra A. Magnetic Resonance Imaging Contraindications. [Updated 2022 May 8]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551669/

Gofur EM, Singh P. Anatomy, Back, Vertebral Canal Blood Supply. [Updated 2021 Jul 26]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK541083/

Lurie, Jon, and Christy Tomkins-Lane. β€œManagement of lumbar spinal stenosis.” BMJ (Clinical research ed.) vol. 352 h6234. 4 Jan. 2016, doi:10.1136/bmj.h6234

Stuber, Kent, et al. β€œChiropractic treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis: a review of the literature.” Journal of chiropractic medicine vol. 8,2 (2009): 77-85. doi:10.1016/j.jcm.2009.02.001

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The information on this blog site is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified healthcare professional or licensed physician and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make healthcare decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified healthcare professional.

Blog Information & Scope Discussions

Welcome to El Paso's Premier Wellness and Injury Care Clinic & wellness blog, where Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, FNP-C, a board-certified Family Practice Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC) and Chiropractor (DC), presents insights on how our team is dedicated to holistic healing and personalized care. Our practice aligns with evidence-based treatment protocols inspired by integrative medicine principles, similar to those found on this site and our family practice-based chiromed.comΒ site, focusing on restoring health naturally for patients of all ages.

Our areas of chiropractic practice include Β Wellness & Nutrition, Chronic Pain, Personal Injury, Auto Accident Care, Work Injuries, Back Injury, Low Back Pain, Neck Pain, Migraine Headaches, Sports Injuries, Severe Sciatica, Scoliosis, Complex Herniated Discs, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Pain, Complex Injuries, Stress Management, Functional Medicine Treatments, and in-scope care protocols.

Our information scope is limited to Chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicine, wellness, contributing etiological viscerosomatic disturbances within clinical presentations, associated somatovisceral reflex clinical dynamics, subluxation complexes, sensitive health issues, and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions.

We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from various disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system.

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Our office has reasonably attempted to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research studies or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies that are available to regulatory boards and the public upon request.

We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how they may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to discuss the subject matter above further, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, APRN, FNP-BC, or contact us at 915-850-0900.

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Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, APRN, FNP-BC*, CCST, IFMCP, CFMP, ATN

email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com

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Graduate with Honors: ICHS: MSN-FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner Program)
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Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC*, CFMP, IFMCP, ATN, CCST
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