Spinal Stenosis Pain Management Treatment Options

Spinal Stenosis Pain Management Treatment Options

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Lumbar spinal stenosis is a painful progressive degenerative condition, common in the elderly population. It can be defined as any type of narrowing of the spinal canal, lateral access or intervertebral foramina. Predominantly due to degenerative changes, other potential causes for this disorder include aging, arthritis, heredity, and instability of the spine or trauma.

The cardinal symptom of this chronic condition is neurogenic claudication. Patients suffering from this condition will typically lean forward or bend over when standing or walking, as this may temporarily alleviate the pain. Back pain or pain in the lower spine is also common, which may become worse with activity.

Lumbar stenosis is difficult to diagnose as its symptoms can be caused by other conditions. Spinal stenosis pain management requires a thorough neurological exam to identify spinal disorders. Imaging techniques such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can help to confirm the presence of lumbar stenosis. Compared to CT scan, MRI has a significant advantage because of its better soft tissue resolution.

Pain Management Treatment Options Treatment options may vary, depending on the location of the stenosis and the severity of your signs and symptoms. Most symptoms usually respond favorably to nonoperative pain management strategies, which include:

 Medications Since inflammation is a common component of this chronic condition, patients may achieve pain relief from medications such as:  NSAIDS - ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen (Aleve)  Muscle relaxants - Medications such as cyclobenzaprine (Amrix, Fexmid)  Antidepressants - Tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline can help ease chronic pain  Opioids - Drugs such as oxycodone (Percocet, OxyContin, others) and hydrocodone (Norco, Zohydro, others)



Physical therapy – Physical therapy exercises can help to build up strength and

endurance, improve function, maintain the flexibility and stability of your spine and improve your balance. The treatment provided at reliable healthcare centers include ice or heat therapy, exercises, massage and Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS).

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Epidural steroid injections - Injecting a corticosteroid into the space around that

constriction can help reduce the inflammation and relieve some of the pressure.

However, repeated steroid injections can weaken nearby bones and connective tissue.



Non-surgical spinal decompression - This non-surgical therapy relieves chronic

pain and discomfort from the lower back using a state-of-the-art decompression modality. The procedure works by creating a powerful vacuum force within the spinal discs using negative pressure to pull the contents of the disc back inside. This FDAapproved therapy is comfortable and painless, and has no side effects.

Choose the Right Healthcare Center A professional healthcare center can provide accurate diagnosis and a detailed evaluation of the problem, and would suggest a course of treatment appropriate for the nature and severity of your spine problem.

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