Exploring 10 Ways to Treat Spinal Stenosis

Doctors may prescribe medications to help relieve the pain of spinal stenosis. These might include antidepressants or opioids for chronic pain, muscle relaxants for spasms, anti-seizure medications for nerve pain, and NSAIDs to reduce inflammation. Because these medications can be potent and come with side effects, they are only available with a prescription and should be used under a doctor’s supervision.

Surgery is typically a last resort when other treatments fail or symptoms become disabling. Procedures include:

• Laminectomy, where the back part of the vertebra (lamina) is removed to relieve pressure and stabilize the spine with metal hardware
• Laminotomy, where only part of the lamina is removed to target localized compression
• Laminoplasty, usually performed in the neck, where the vertebrae are reshaped and a metal bridge keeps the canal open

Only about 5% of people with spinal stenosis require surgery. Like all spinal operations, these procedures carry risks and require careful consideration.

Steroid injections can temporarily reduce inflammation around compressed nerves, easing pressure and pain. These corticosteroid treatments target swollen nerve roots directly and are typically reserved for more severe cases. Because repeated use can weaken nearby bones and tissues, most doctors recommend limiting injections to three or four times a year.

Physical therapy can help maintain mobility, improve balance, and strengthen muscles that support the spine. Although pain might initially discourage activity, regular movement is important. A trained therapist can guide you through safe exercises that build endurance and stabilize the spine. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe a specific therapy plan, which could be covered by insurance.

Losing weight is one of the many major factors in relieving any pressure-based conditions in the body. If you are overweight, your skeleton is carrying more weight, which puts the bones and structure under immediate strain. Those with spinal stenosis should work to ‘lighten the load' on their bodies. As it will be hard to do a cardiovascular workout with the pain associated with the condition, the best place to start is with diet and some light exercises. Changing what foods you eat as well as the amount will make changes for the better in your system as well as how many pounds you are carrying. Weight loss is a vital step in relieving pain.

Treatment in the home is not just the use of a proper diet and exercise to lose weight. Exercise is also helping you strengthen your spine. If you cannot go to a physical therapy course, you will be able to do some specific exercises at home to relieve pain. These can be suggested to you by your doctor, therapist or found on the Internet, but please act with care when exercising alone. There are over the counter medication you can buy that may also relieve some of the pain associated with Spinal Stenosis.

Amongst all the movement you are now doing to strengthen your spine and surrounding area, it is important to be aware of your initial injury and the movement that aggravates it. Much like repetitive strain injury (RSI) if you keep on doing the wrong thing to one area, it can wear it down and cause problems. The same goes with your spine. Modify your movement and avoid the actions you know trigger pressure, and work around it safely to gain better movement.

Massages to relieve pain and discomfort of Spinal Stenosis is not for everyone. If you do not enjoy receiving massages, you are likely to be tense, and tension can add to the pain. The whole act of a massage can become painful, which is not its purpose or intention. If you can relax enough, a massage may be beneficial to ease the pain as it is designed to relax the muscles, giving them a break from the strain of the condition. This then leads to ease of movement for a time after the massage and a general feeling of wellbeing. A massage on other parts of your body, not just around the spine, would be beneficial to all Spinal Stenosis sufferers as the whole body can become tense when dealing with such a condition as this.

Acupuncture comes from ancient traditional Chinese medicine and is widely used in western countries today. It is a holistic health technique which works to unblock the body of physical illness. The act of acupuncture is the art of inserting small needles along certain points in the body; this releases energy along the established meridian pathways in the body and promotes healing. It is relatively painless, and the technique can stimulate energy, release endorphins, and realign the body.

Homeopathy is the field of medicine that focuses on natural remedies. These treatments are helpful in reducing pain, both acute and chronic, and it is used by over 200 million people around the world and is widely practiced throughout Europe. Homeopathic medicine is the use of highly diluted substances with a plant or mineral ingredient to treat various conditions. Considered an alternative therapy, it is always a good idea to inform your doctor of what therapies you intend to take along with any other medications and therapy's prescribed.