Spinal stenosis is a serious condition that can cause pain, numbness, weakness, and other symptoms. This condition can be debilitating to patients and make it difficult for them to carry out everyday tasks. Surgery is often the obvious treatment for this condition. However, it is not the only option. Dr. Ioannis Skaribas Houston can recommend various effective non-surgical treatment options to help relieve your pain and treat the disease.
The treatment options for spinal stenosis vary depending on whether it’s causing severe pain or milder symptoms. In general, non-surgical treatments include:
Medication
Medication is the first line of treatment for spinal stenosis. It helps to relieve pain and control other symptoms of the condition. The medication options for spinal stenosis include:
Oral opioids: These include drugs like codeine, morphine, and hydrocodone. These drugs are primarily used as painkillers and muscle relaxants, but they also decrease stress on the spine. They work by interacting with specific receptors in the brain and nervous system, which relieve pain and reduce inflammation in the tissue surrounding the nerves.
Intravenous corticosteroids: Medications such as methylprednisolone or prednisone help to reduce swelling, inflammation, and pain caused by spinal stenosis.
Chiropractic care
Chiropractic care is a type of alternative medicine that uses manual manipulation of the spine to treat musculoskeletal problems such as back pain or neck pain. Chiropractors manipulate your spine by gently moving it to where it feels best for you and then holding it there for between 30 minutes and an hour while you relax. Chiropractic care aims to reduce nerve interference in the central nervous system (CNS), which spinal misalignments or abnormalities may cause in soft tissues around the spine or its vertebrae (bones). That helps relieve chronic pain associated with these conditions.
Physical therapy
Physical therapy is a form of treatment for spinal stenosis that focuses on strengthening the spine. Physical therapists will work with you to help you perform specific exercises to improve your overall strength and flexibility. Depending on your condition, your physical therapist may also teach you how to use various equipment, such as walkers or wheelchairs.
Massage therapy
Massage therapy is one of the most effective non-surgical options for treating spinal stenosis. The massage therapist will use hands, elbows, and other body parts to apply pressure to specific areas of the body. Massage therapy can also help patients improve their range of motion and quality of life. In some cases, pain management specialists may use massage therapy to treat other conditions, such as arthritis or muscle strain.
The number of people suffering from spinal stenosis has risen significantly in the past few years. You might be one of the victims of this growing trend. If you have been diagnosed with spinal stenosis, it is important to understand your options for treatment. Several types of spinal stenosis treatments are available, and the best one for you depends on your specific case. Your doctor will carefully review your medical history and perform a full physical exam to determine the treatment type most appropriate for you. Contact Expert Pain and request an appointment with a pain specialist to learn more about spinal stenosis.
