Spinal stenosis happens when the spinal canal narrows, putting pressure on the nerves that run through it. If you are looking for spinal stenosis treatment Modbury locals trust, or anywhere across Adelaide’s north-eastern suburbs, you are not alone. It is one of the leading causes of pain and loss of independence in older adults, and it is something we see and treat regularly here at Health First Chiropractic in Modbury North.
It is most common in the lower back, where it is called lumbar spinal stenosis, and it tends to develop gradually as part of the normal ageing process. The discs lose height, the joints thicken, and over time there is simply less space for the nerves.
What Does Spinal Stenosis Feel Like?
The most recognisable pattern is pain, heaviness, or numbness in the buttocks and legs when you stand or walk, which eases when you sit down or lean forward.
This is called neurogenic claudication, and it is the hallmark symptom of lumbar spinal stenosis.
You might notice:
- Leg pain or heaviness that builds the longer you walk
- Relief when you sit, lean on a shopping trolley, or stoop slightly forward
- Tingling or numbness down one or both legs
- A feeling of weakness in the legs
- Back pain, though often less prominent than the leg symptoms
The shopping trolley effect is a real and well-recognised sign. People often find they can walk further when leaning forward slightly, such as pushing a trolley at the supermarket, than when walking upright.
Is Spinal Stenosis Serious?
For most people, spinal stenosis is a manageable condition, not an emergency.
The natural history is more variable than many people expect. Research shows that roughly one third of people with mild to moderate stenosis will gradually worsen over time, one third will stay stable, and one third will actually improve. That last statistic surprises many patients, but it is important.
That said, there are symptoms that warrant urgent attention. If you experience sudden loss of bladder or bowel control, rapidly worsening leg weakness, or you are unable to stand at all, please seek medical attention promptly.
Does It Show Up on Scans?
Often, yes, but the scan findings frequently do not match how you feel.
Many people have significant stenosis visible on MRI and very mild symptoms. Others have moderate findings and significant disability. This disconnect between imaging and symptoms is well established in the research, and it is one reason we do not rely on imaging alone to guide your care.
Imaging becomes most useful if conservative treatment is not progressing as expected, or if surgery is being seriously considered.
What Are the Best Non-Surgical Treatments?
Current clinical practice guidelines recommend a multimodal conservative approach as the first-line treatment for spinal stenosis. That means combining manual therapy, supervised exercise, and education, not relying on medication or injections.
What about medication?
Medications commonly prescribed for stenosis, including pregabalin, gabapentin, anti-inflammatories, and opioids, are not supported by the current evidence. Research shows no clinically meaningful improvement in symptoms, alongside a real risk of side effects such as dizziness and drowsiness. This is particularly relevant for older adults who are already managing other health conditions.
What about injections?
Epidural steroid injections are frequently offered for spinal stenosis, accounting for roughly a quarter of all epidural procedures. Yet clinical trials consistently show no meaningful improvement, in the short term or long term. They are not something we recommend as a first step.
How We Approach Spinal Stenosis Treatment in Modbury
Our approach is conservative, evidence-informed, and focused on what genuinely helps.
Flexion distraction therapy is a gentle, hands-on technique that is well suited to spinal stenosis. It involves a specialised table that creates a rhythmic traction movement, gently opening the spinal joints and reducing pressure on the nerves. Most patients find it very comfortable, even when their symptoms are significant.
Spinal adjusting helps restore movement to stiff spinal segments. In stenosis, the surrounding joints often become restricted and painful in their own right. Restoring mobility to those areas can meaningfully reduce discomfort and improve function.
Exercise rehabilitation is central to our care. The evidence is clear that supervised exercise is one of the most effective tools available for managing stenosis. We focus on movements and postures that work with your stenosis, not against it, typically favouring flexion-based and low-load exercises that are comfortable and sustainable for your lifestyle.
Home care advice means you are not just improving when you are in our practice. We will work with you on practical strategies for managing your symptoms day-to-day, including how to position yourself when walking, sleeping, and sitting, and what activities to build gradually versus what to modify in the short term
What About the Emotional Side?
This is something we take seriously and do not overlook.
Living with spinal stenosis, particularly when it limits how far you can walk, how independent you feel, or how well you sleep, can affect your mood, your confidence, and your sense of self. Research acknowledges that fear of movement, low self-efficacy, and feelings of hopelessness are common in people managing stenosis, and that these factors directly influence how well people recover.
Our care takes this into account. We use positive, realistic language. We take your concerns seriously. And we focus on building your confidence alongside your physical capacity, because both matter.
Can Stenosis Affect Other Areas of Health?
Emerging research suggests that lumbar spinal stenosis can affect more than just your back and legs.
Because stenosis can compromise nerve supply to the pelvic region, it has been linked to urinary and sexual dysfunction in some patients, an area that is still being studied but one that clinicians are increasingly aware of. If you are experiencing these symptoms alongside your back or leg pain, it is worth raising with your treating practitioner.
Thinking About Making an Appointment?
If you are in Modbury, Modbury North, or the surrounding north-eastern suburbs of Adelaide and you are living with back pain, leg pain, or symptoms that sound like what is described above, we would like to help.
At Health First Chiropractic in Modbury North, we take the time to understand your specific situation before recommending any course of care. Your first visit includes a thorough history and physical examination, and we will talk through our findings and your options in plain language.
Many patients with stenosis also experience nerve-related symptoms. You may find our article on what nerve pain actually feels like helpful reading alongside this one.
Book online or call us to arrange your assessment.
Source
- Ammendolia C. Effective non-operative treatments and practical management strategies for older adults with lumbar spinal stenosis. Chiropractic & Manual Therapies. 2025;33(1):27. doi:10.1186/s12998-025-00590-3
Frequently Asked Questions
There is no cure in the traditional sense, but many people manage it very effectively with conservative care and lifestyle adjustments. Surgery is an option for severe cases, but it is not the only path, and it is not necessarily the best one for everyone.
Not necessarily. A significant proportion of people with mild to moderate stenosis remain stable or improve over time. Staying active, maintaining a healthy weight, and engaging in appropriate treatment all support a better long-term trajectory.
Walking is generally encouraged, and staying active matters for managing spinal stenosis. The key is how you pace it. Shorter, more frequent walks with regular rest breaks are usually better tolerated than pushing through pain.
When symptoms come on during a walk, sitting down and gently leaning forward can settle them more quickly, which is why many people find they can then continue. Walking with your pelvis gently tucked, rather than letting your lower back arch, can also make walking more comfortable for some people.
If you find you can only walk comfortably when leaning forward onto something, that is worth mentioning to your practitioner, as we can look at ways to improve your walking tolerance rather than relying on that position long-term.
This varies depending on the severity of your symptoms and how long they have been present. We will give you an honest picture of what to expect after your initial assessment.
Surgery may be appropriate if conservative care has been thoroughly trialled and significant symptoms persist, or if you develop progressive neurological deficits. We will always be honest with you about when a referral for surgical assessment is warranted.