Spinal stenosis is a condition which promotes compression along the spinal nerves, largely caused by the narrowing of parts of the spinal column in the neck and lower back. The best treatments for spinal stenosis pain involve dulling the pain itself through anti-inflammatories or pain medications, as well as physical therapy, massage and acupuncture techniques. Depending on the severity of spinal stenosis pain, injections or even surgery may be recommended to prevent further narrowing of the spine, as well as to prevent degeneration of the spinal column. Choosing the best treatment option for spinal stenosis pain depends not only on the severity of the case, but also the determination of the patient.
When dealing with spinal stenosis pain and the restrictions it places on an individual, it is often wise to seek the advice of a medical doctor or certified spinal specialist. If the pain of spinal stenosis persists or even escalates, anti-pain medications are often prescribed and taken to dull and lighten the intrusive pain. An individual may likely take an anti-inflammatory medication, as well, to help ease and bring down swelling of surrounding tissues in the spinal area. These two medications can often be relied on to help relieve any spinal stenosis pain during the day, and may be the sole treatment for those with a less severe and stagnant form of the condition.
With most cases of spinal stenosis, it is often recommended that an individual perform a safe and diligent exercise approach to healing, one that will help build a stronger and more flexible spine. These exercises should be directed by a physical therapist who has experience in dealing with spinal disorders. Most exercises for this type of back pain involve stretching, which helps promote flexibility and overall movement of the spinal column. These stretches can take on various movements that are often seen in most yoga type programs, and will help in building overall body strength, as well.
For severe cases of spinal stenosis pain, a doctor might recommend steroid injections once a year, which will help dull the pain even more so than regular anti-pain medications. Surgery can also be recommended for severe cases, so it is wise to first determine the level of spinal stenosis an individual is in before proceeding into this type of treatment. Parts of the vertebrae may be removed through surgery which will help provide decompression to the spine, and in turn will hopefully help lift away pain and the developing condition. Another type of surgery fuses two vertebrae together, yet this treatment is not always a guaranteed way to provide permanent relief from spinal stenosis pain.