As people age, the canal of the spine begins to narrow. This narrowing is called stenosis. Spinal stenosis is a painful condition that mainly affects people who are in their 60s and 70s, but can occur at any age. Injuries to the back and neck can also lead to . The narrowing of the spinal canal presses down on nerves, causing pain in the back, neck, arms or legs, depending on the location of the compression. Treatment ranges from the conservative to the more aggressive, with the most aggressive option being spinal surgery.
Limited Activity
Rest and limited activity combined is one of the most conservative treatments for spinal stenosis, according to the Spinal Stenosis Organization. Bed rest alone is not recommended because the muscles in the back can become too stiff from the lack of use and can actually make the recovery period longer.
Medication
Anti-inflammatory drugs and pain relievers are used to lessen the pain caused by spinal stenosis and to reduce the inflammation in the spinal column. Over-the-counter strengths of ibuprofen and acetaminophen may be adequate for less severe pain, while more serious cases could require more powerful drugs. Corticosteroids injected right into the area of stenosis are sometimes used on a short-term basis to provide relief from disabling pain.
Physical Therapy
Manipulation of the affected areas, electric stimulation, hot packs and exercises are all treatments for spinal stenosis that are possible through physical therapy. The goal of physical therapy is to relieve the pain but also to strengthen the muscles in the back that support the spine. People with stenosis can benefit from several weekly therapy sessions, and may begin to feel positive results within a few weeks. Physical therapy is also used as a recovery tool after surgery, if that becomes a treatment option for spinal stenosis.
Bracing
Braces called lumbar supports or corsets can also be used to treat spinal stenosis. By wearing a brace, the back and stomach muscles are supported, which can relieve compression if several areas of the spine are affected with stenosis. Bracing helps older, more infirm patients to remain mobile enough to participate in everyday activities for as long as possible.
Surgery
When medications and exercises fail to produce positive results, surgery may be necessary to repair spinal stenosis. Surgery is performed mainly when the pain of stenosis interferes with a person's ability to stand, walk and otherwise remain mobile. Depending on the cause of the stenosis, different surgical procedures are used to alleviate the compression on the nerves in the back or neck. Procedures that are routinely performed for spinal stenosis include laminectomy, laminotomy and spinal fusion.
Tags: back neck, spinal stenosis, spinal stenosis, , muscles back