Learn About
Spinal Stenosis Pain
Management Techniques
Spinal stenosis occurs when the space surrounding the spinal cord narrows which puts extra pressure on the spinal cord and nerves resulting in severe pain. Spinal stenosis or spinal narrowing is a painful condition that causes narrowing and weakening of the spine. The narrowing can occur in any area – the center of the spine, in the canals branching off the spine, or between the vertebrae and the bones of the spine. The narrowing can put extra pressure on the nerves and spinal cord causing severe pain. Though the condition can develop in any place within the spinal column, it usually occurs in the lumbar spine or cervical spine area. Reputed pain management centers in Brooklyn, NYC offer effective treatment to address the pain and other symptoms associated with the condition. Generally, this spinal condition is caused by regular wear-and-tear changes in the spine related to bone spurs, thickened ligaments, over growth of the facet joints and disc herniation. Medical conditions such as tumors, arthritis, spinal injuries and congenital bone curvature (scoliosis) can also cause spinal narrowing. People over fifty are at higher risk of developing this spinal stenosis. However, younger people who have a spine injury or a narrow spinal canal are also at risk.
Identifying the Symptoms People with spinal narrowing may experience symptoms like pain, tingling sensations, and numbness. Symptoms may vary depending on the location of the stenosis and the specific nerves that are affected. Common symptoms include – Back or neck pain Problems with walking and balance Numbness or tingling sensation in a hand/arm/foot/leg Pain or cramping in one or both legs (when you stand for long periods of time or when you walk) Bowel or bladder dysfunction (urinary urgency and incontinence) Weakness in a foot or leg Spinal stenosis can also prevail without any symptoms.
Nonsurgical Pain Management for Spinal Stenosis Diagnosing spinal stenosis is often very difficult, as several of the signs and symptoms are quite similar to those of many age-related conditions. Therefore, in addition to an evaluation of signs and symptoms, medical history, and physical examination, several imaging tests X-rays, CT myelogram and MRI scan may be conducted to diagnose the condition. Treatment for spinal stenosis is based on the location of the stenosis and the severity of the signs and symptoms. Multispecialty healthcare centers in Brooklyn offer the following proven nonsurgical modalities for spinal stenosis pain management:
(718) 769-2521
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Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication – Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) reduce chronic inflammation and prevent further joint damage.
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Physical therapy – Physical therapy (PT) help patients build strength, improve balance, and maintain spine flexibility and stability. PT includes therapeutic exercise programs such as stretching, strengthening, isometric and aerobic exercises.
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Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) – TENS uses low voltage electrical currents to relieve pain.
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Epidural Steroid Injections – Injecting steroid medication into the space that surrounds the nerve roots (epidural space) helps lower inflammation and pain that radiates into the arms and the legs.
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Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) – RFA involves heating a small area of nerve tissue using electrical current produced by a radio wave in order to reduce pain signals from that particular area.
If nonsurgical treatment does not provide the expected results or if the condition robs you of your mobility, surgery may be recommended to relieve the pressure on the spinal cord/nerve roots.
(718) 769-2521