lbogart

Hi Road Fan,

Another physical therapist here and I'll second cyclehen's response with this caveat: if Mrs. Road Fan has a *severe* central stenosis (narrowing of the central canal) as opposed to foraminal stenosis (narrowing of the hole where the nerve leaves the spine), the flexion may be just as aggravating as extension. As well as asking for an explanation and a second opinion, I'd recommend asking for a referral to a physical therapist, if your insurance requires one (a referral, that is). Then see an orthopedic manual therapist for treatment.

The reason for this recommendation is that, just because a stenosis is seen in imaging (CT scan, MRI, or sometimes x-ray), that doesn't mean the problem is being caused by the stenosis. The stenosis may be completely benign in other words (just like a bulging disc).

God Luck!