How to Treat Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis is defined as narrowing of the spine. When the spine starts to narrow, it puts pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. This condition causes a great deal of pain along with cramping, numbness and sometimes bladder and bowel problems. Not everyone who has spinal narrowing suffers from the above symptoms. Once you start developing symptoms, they only get worse unless treated.

Instructions

1. Exercise. Maintaining a healthy weight will help take added pressure off your spine, will help relieve symptoms and will slow progression of the stenosis. It is important to remain active to keep the disease from becoming debilitating.

2. Physical therapy. Having the proper physical therapy sessions will lead to a decrease in pain and will provide instruction, education and support for the patient.

3. Medications are prescribed to relieve the pain and inflammation associated with spinal stenosis.

4. Epidural injections. Cortisone is injected into the spinal fluid over a series of months to temporarily relieve symptoms.

5. Surgery. The goal of back surgery is to relieve pressure off and strengthen the spinal cord. When considering surgery, speak to your physician about the risks and benefits of the operation.

References

• MayoClinic.com: Spinal Stenosis
• Spine-Health.com: Spinal Stenosis Treatment
• WebMD.com: Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: Treatment Overview