Spinal stenosis, states the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, is a narrowing of certain parts of your spine. Included is the space around your spinal cord, the canals where nerve roots -- offshoots of your spinal cord -- branch from your spine and the space between your vertebrae, or spinal bones. Certain nutrients may be helpful in treating or preventing your spinal stenosis, but you should avoid using nutrients until you have discussed their possible health ramifications with your primary care provider.
About Spinal Stenosis
There are many possible causes of spinal stenosis, states the Medline Medical Encyclopedia, including arthritis, especially osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, and scoliosis. Other possible causes of this condition include aging, genetics, traumatic injuries, spinal cord tumors and excess fluoride in your body. Some of the most commonly experienced signs and symptoms associated with spinal stenosis include back or neck pain and weakness in your arms or legs. Spinal stenosis usually manifests in seniors.
Helpful Nutrients
One of the most common causes of spinal stenosis is arthritis, especially osteoarthritis. Nutrients that may be helpful in treating osteoarthritis are the same nutrients that may be helpful in treating or preventing spinal stenosis. According to licensed acupuncturist and naturopathic physician Russell B. Marz, author of "Medical Nutrition From Marz," the most helpful nutrients for this condition may include boron, vitamin C, yucca saponin extract and pantothenic acid. More research may be needed to support the use of these nutrients in treating your spinal stenosis.
A Useful Nutrient
Yucca saponin extract is a potentially useful nutrient in the treatment of spinal stenosis. Yucca, notes expert herbalist and naturopathic physician Sharol Tilgner, author of "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," contains anti-inflammatory agents and has long been used in treating arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. Other important nutrients contained in yucca roots -- the part of the plant used in nutritional supplements -- include calcium, iron, magnesium, selenium and various B vitamins.
Considerations
Spinal stenosis is an extremely difficult health problem to treat. In most cases, therapeutic interventions will not reverse the degenerative changes already present in your spine. Nutritional therapy, alone or in combination with other therapeutic measures, will not cure your problem. Avoid self-treating your spinal stenosis with specific nutrients until you have met with your primary care provider to discuss the possible health ramifications of nutritional therapy, including side effects and drug interactions.
References
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases: Spinal Stenosis
- Medline Medical Encyclopedia: Spinal Stenosis
- "Medical Nutrition From Marz"; Russell B. Marz, N.D.; 1999
- "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, N.D.; 1999
