Lately, you might have been experiencing a new discomfort that begins in your buttocks, and seems to radiate slowly down the backs of one or both legs. You have observed though, that if you bend over, or perhaps once you take a seat, the pain goes away.

After a comprehensive examination from your chiropractor, he mentions spinal stenosis, which is simply put a narrowing of the spinal canal which puts pressure the nerves in your spine, as well as the actual spinal cord.

This doesn't mean you have to change life as you know it, it simply means you need to make some changes, which may include physical therapy or other techniques to lessen pain.

There are those, however, who might require more aggressive treatment including surgery.

Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis The symptoms of spinal stenosis don't merely show up all of a sudden, but slowly but surely make themselves noticeable to you. It might take many months or even years before you'll ultimately understand you may need to see a doctor.

Some of these annoying symptoms include but are not limited to pain, burning, aching, tingling and even cramping from the buttocks that may radiate down to the calf muscles. You may notice a worsening of symptoms when you stand up or lie down flat.

Treatment Surgery is not always required in the treatment of spinal stenosis.

Many individuals who are afflicted by mild to moderate discomfort and pain have gained relief from physical therapy and even weight loss, which takes pressure off of the midriff and spine.

Physical therapy and exercise including stretching and strength training along with the use of hot and cold compresses are sufficient to alleviate symptoms and allow some to return to normal life activities.

It is critical to sustain a level of physical fitness, while you may suffer from some discomfort or mild pain. Walking, swimming, and bicycling are all excellent low-impact exercises to keep you moving and agile.

Careful use of pain meds may help relieve pain and inflammation. Botanical medicines that help to quiet those irritated nerves include GABA, Valerian, L-Theonine and Magnolia Bark. These are simply examples of botanicals that may help with the radiating pain down the legs.

Be sure to consult with your chiropractor before beginning any pain treatment to ensure proper use and that there are not harmful side effects with medications you may be currently taking.

Steroids-like natural substances are another alternative in the treatment of spinal stenosis. In pill form, steroid-like botanicals including bromelain, curcumin and quercetin may help reduce inflammation of tissues. Some individuals have reported relief for as long as one year from one course of botanical steriod-like remedies.

Each individual, however, is different. So your results will vary.

Although it has been around for a long time, many patients are looking to acupuncture for pain relief from spinal stenosis.

Spinal manipulation may decrease pain by the re-alignment of bones within the spine. Lessening pressure on nerves and reducing pain.

Unfortunately, there are those who will require back surgery. You and your chiropractor really should discuss all the options and make the best choice for you, your pain, and your lifestyle. Be willing to go through a period of trial and error to help with your final decision.