If you or someone you love has been told they have spinal stenosis, you might be looking for ways to feel better without having surgery. Spinal stenosis develops when the spaces in your spine get smaller, which can cause friction and pain in the back or neck. It might even make your legs feel weak or numb.
Many people want to try simpler treatments first before moving onto more intensive treatments. This guide talks about ways to help with these problems without needing a surgical procedure.
What is Spinal Stenosis?
Spinal stenosis arises from the narrowing of spaces within the spine, leading to nerve compression and subsequent pain.
It is a condition that often develops as people get older. But just because it is common does not mean you have to live with the pain. Many treatments can help you feel better.
Spinal Stenosis Treatments
These treatments can help you deal with the condition without having surgery:
-
Physical Therapy
When you go to a physical therapist, they teach you special exercises that help your back muscles become stronger and stretch out. These exercises help relieve some of the pressure on your nerves, which means less pain.
A physical therapist also shows you how to stand, sit, and move, so you don’t hurt your spine or worsen symptoms. Physical therapy is an excellent way to learn the best ways to move for your daily tasks without making your back feel worse.
Physical therapists also use other tactics to bring patients relief, such as heat therapy, cold therapy, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation to make your back feel better.
-
Medications
Medications can be an immense help if you feel a lot of pain in the back. Here are a couple of categories of medications to consider:
Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
These are medicines you can buy without a doctor’s note. Ibuprofen (like Advil) and naproxen (like Aleve) can help temporarily reduce pain and swelling very well.
However, it is important to take medication as recommended by a doctor because they can otherwise cause other health problems.
Prescription Medications
Sometimes, over-the-counter medications do not cut it when it comes to pain relief. In such cases, doctors may suggest stronger medications. These can include muscle relaxants to ease muscle spasms or even stronger painkillers.
However, these medications should be used carefully, as they can be habit-forming or have side effects.
-
Injections
Injections offer targeted pain relief. There are a few types:
Corticosteroid injections
These shots put powerful anti-swelling medicine near the squeezed nerves. They can relieve pain for a while, but you cannot have them too often because they can cause side effects in the long run.
Numbing injections
Sometimes, a shot with a numbing agent can help figure out exactly where the pain is coming from. This can help bring relief or help the doctor figure out what the underlying cause of the pain could be.
Injections can give you a break from chronic spinal stenosis pain for weeks or even months at a time.
When to See a Doctor
Even though there are many ways you can manage spinal stenosis at home, there are times when it is essential to see a doctor. Here is how to know it is time to get help:
Your Pain Gets Worse
If your back or neck pain gets bad, or if the pain starts going down your legs or arms, it is time to see a doctor. This means the problem in your spine might worsen, and you need to check it out.
You Feel Numb or Weak
It is important to see a doctor if parts of your body start feeling numb or weak. It can mean that the nerves in your spine are being squeezed too much. A doctor can help figure out what is going on and how to make it better.
You Have Trouble Moving Around
It is a sign you need to see a doctor if you start having trouble walking, standing up straight, or doing simple things around the house.
These problems can affect your life, and a doctor can help you find ways to deal with them.
Your Medicine Does Not Help Anymore
If the medicines used to improve your pain do not work anymore, your doctor needs to know. They can find different medications that might work better for you or suggest other treatments that can help.
You Have Problems with Going to the Bathroom
Sometimes, spinal stenosis can cause difficulties with urination or bowel movements.
If this happens, you should see a doctor right away. It is a sign that the nerves in your spine that control these functions might be affected.
Spinal Stenosis Therapies in Rochester Hills, MI
Ahlgren Spine’s Dr. Bradley Ahlgren can help you find the best spinal stenosis treatment for you. As a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon, we will ensure that you get the care you need. Whether you need treatment for lumbar stenosis or even thoracic and cervical stenosis, we’ve got you covered with advanced and effective solutions. To book a consultation, reach us at (248) 215-8080 or fill out our appointment request form.
Let us be your partner in finding the best spinal stenosis treatment for you. We look forward to serving you!
