Pain Management for Spinal Stenosis & Protrusions

Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the spine in one or more areas, particularly the upper or lower back. This narrowing sometimes puts pressure on the spinal cord or nerves that extend out from the compressed areas. Spinal stenosis can cause pain and numbness in the back, legs, arms, shoulders and even the neck, or a loss of sensation in the arms and legs. This condition usually occurs later in life because of osteoarthritis or other degenerative spinal conditions. Pain management for spinal stenosis and protrusions of the vertebrae usually includes a combination of rest, ice, heat, medication and exercise.

Rest, Ice & Heat

• When a person develops spinal stenosis, she needs a certain period of time for resting. This helps alleviate inflammation and pain. Back braces and corsets can help relieve pain. Use ice for reducing pain and inflammation at 20-minute intervals every three to four hours. Ice is most effective if you compress it directly against your back with ice packs. When your inflammation and pain have subsided, intersperse your ice treatments with heat (heating pads). This can promote blood (with its healing properties) flow to the affected area.

Drugs & Medical Procedures

• According to MayoClinic.com, anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve) can help relieve pain from spinal stenosis and protrusions. A spinal epidural (injection in the spinal fluid) may also be administered by your doctor for more severe pain. Chiropractors can manipulate your back or use traction devices for alleviating your pain. In some cases, you may need to have your vertebrae fused together to alleviate pain.

Exercises That Bend Your Spine Backward

• You can perform a variety of exercises that bend the spinal column both backward and forward. This will help manipulate the spine and provide pain relief from your stenosis protrusions. Do 10 repetitions of each exercise and hold each movement for two to five seconds.

  Lie on a hard floor and point your knees upward. Firmly press your lower back against the floor. This exercise will help you build strength in you lower back, better stabilizing your spine.

  Grab both of your knees and slowly pull them toward your chest. Hold that position, lower your feet, then repeat the movement. You can also pull one knee up at a time while fully extending your opposite leg. Try it both ways.

  While in the same position, brace both feet and lift your buttocks and lower back off the floor. Hold that position, then repeat for the recommended number of repetitions.

Exercises That Bend Your Spine Forward

• To perform "The Cobra," lie on your stomach with your arms to the side. Squeeze your buttocks and abdominal muscles and slowly lift your upper body a few inches off the floor. Relax.

  Marching in place can also help bend your spine forward and alleviate spinal stenosis and protrusion pain. Do this for one minute, raising your feet about 3 to 4 inches off the floor. Repeat once or twice more.

  It is always best to consult your doctor before starting an exercise routine.