Cervical and Lumbar Stenosis - Conservative Treatment The narrowing or constriction of the spinal cord is called Stenosis of the spine. ‘ Common Causes Behind Spinal Cervical Stenosis Here are some of the common causes responsible for cervical spinal stenosis. -
Disc degeneration Formation of disc osteophyte complex Hypertrophy of ligament flava The formation of osteophytes near the facet joints Sometimes, there are other causes of cervical spinal stenosis as well like certain medical conditions, and calcification of the posterior longitudinal ligament.
Commonly Known Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis These are some of the common symptoms usually related to spinal stenosis. - The pain in neck and feeling of stiffness.
- Change in patient’s gait when walking is sometimes the only symptom for spinal stenosis. - The patient is facing problem in performing tasks which require fine motor functions. For example, carrying out tasks like writing and buttoning their shirt. - When the spinal stenosis becomes more severe, it results in long tract signs like wide-based gait, weakness, and balance difficulties. - Sometimes the disability caused due to spinal stenosis can lead a patient to use a wheelchair for mobility. - The decreased range of the cervical spine moment is one of the symptoms of spinal stenosis. - Other symptoms may also include clonus and spasticity in legs, and vascularity. Diagnosis of Spinal Stenosis The orthopedic surgeon will usually not specify any particular lab tests for diagnosing spinal stenosis. However, the orthopedic doctor may use MRI scans and X-rays to evaluate a patient suffering from spinal stenosis. The doctor will also go through a patient’s medical history and clinical examination to ensure proper diagnosis of the patient. Conservative Treatment Methods for Cervical and Lumbar Stenosis Here are the treatment options an orthopedic doctor may choose. Anti-inflammatory Drugs A physician may advise the patient anti-inflammatory drugs like naproxen or aspirin to reduce inflammation and help to reduce pain. Analgesics The doctor may recommend analgesics to help relieve pain without having the anti-inflammatory effects on the patient. Doctors usually do not recommend long term usage of analgesics and NSAIDs.
Steroids Sometimes, the doctor may advise patients’ with steroids in extreme pain. The steroids only provide temporary relief from pain and also help reduce swelling. Facet Injections The dose of corticosteroid via minimally invasive surgical procedures help reduce pain within the joint capsule and the surrounding tissue area. Chiropractic The adjustment of the spine can also contribute to relieving pain. The treatment involves applying pressure to align bones and return joints to their original position. Holistic Therapies Sometimes, the doctor may advise their patient's different types of holistic therapies to treat the spinal stenosis problem involving acupressure, acupuncture, and biofeedback. Originally posted at: http://siouxfallsorthopedics.com/cervical-lumbar-stenosisconservative-treatment/