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Cures for Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis is when narrowing of the spinal cord causes pinched nerves. The pinched nerves cause symptoms that include chronic pain in the buttocks and numbness or loss of feelings in the lower extremities (legs, thighs, feet, etc). Patients diagnosed with spinal stenosis may also experience limping and/or a decreased ability to engage in physical activities. Spinal stenosis primarily afflicts those ages 60 and older. There are approximately 400,000 Americans with spinal stenosis.

  1. Symptoms

    • Common symptoms include a persistent ache, either dull or sharp, in the lower back or buttocks. The ache may be pronounced when walking or engaging in physical activity. This ache may also be accompanied by pain radiating in the legs and thighs, numbness in the lower extremities, difficulty moving the lower limbs or weakness. This pain is generally not diminished by painkillers, but can be reduced when you sit down.

    Diagnosis

    • Doctors begin by taking your medical history to identify possible causes of the back pain. A physical exam follows, in which the doctor observes the extent of the inhibition of motion and the level of pain. Finally, MRIs, CAT scans, a myelogram, or a bone scan may be administered to determine the specific cause of the pain.

    Non-Surgical Cures

    • Typically, doctors recommend nonsurgical cures for spiral stenosis as the first line of treatment. Nonsurgical cures include physical therapy, rest or the use of support devices (back braces, etc.). Painkillers, including NSAIDS,(non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), analgesics or epidural steroid injections may also be recommended to aid in pain management while the spinal stenosis is healing.

    Surgical Cures

    • Surgery is generally not recommended until other forms of treatment fail. There are four surgeries designed to cure spiral stenosis: spinal fusion, laminotomy, foraminotomy or laminectomy.

    Alternative Treatments

    • Alternative treatments include acupuncture, cranial-sacral therapy, chiropractic manipulation and Swedish massage. Acupuncture and cranial sacral therapy both involve the use of pressure points. Chiropractic care involves the realignment of the spine. Swedish massage involves massage of the tissues of the back to relieve tension and pain. These treatments typically treat the symptoms of spinal stenosis, rather then the cause.

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