A new non-profit organization based in South Florida has been created to help educate and network patients and practitioners affected by Spinal Stenosis, a serious and debilitating spinal canal narrowing common among older adults. The Spinal Stenosis Foundation of Palm Beach County was created by orthopedic surgeon Dr. Stewart G. Eidelson, M.D., as a result of his growing awareness that the condition is becoming more prevalent as baby boomers continue to age in unprecedented numbers.
“Palm Beach County leads the nation as one of the number one areas of retired persons who currently suffer from the pain and numbness brought on by spinal stenosis, which affects millions of Americans and limits the ability of our aging population to enjoy the fruits of their labor in later life,” said Dr. Eidelson.
“Once referred to as creeping paralysis, spinal stenosis was accepted as a largely untreatable disease. As our population continues to age, spinal stenosis will continue to affect a significant proportion of the population. Research into improved treatments and surgical solutions is critical.”
Approximately 20 percent of the U.S. population is older than 60 years of age. Many in this age group have a narrowing of the spinal canal that occurs during the natural aging process. As a result, a patient may have back or leg pain, decreased sensation, numbness or weakness in the upper or lower extremities. To diagnosis the problem, practitioners will order MRI scans, T scans or in some cases, x-rays.
“Most patients can be treated nonsurgically,” said Dr. Eidelson. The treatment may include a course of physical therapy and chiropractic care, supplemented with pain medication.
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