Spinal stenosis is a relatively common condition that involves the narrowing of the spinal canal, which is the area through which the spinal cord and key nerves pass as they traverse down the spine. Everyone experiences some degree of spinal stenosis as they get older, but more moderate and severe cases cause these nerves to be compressed or irritated, leading to the onset of uncomfortable symptoms. The sooner you work to address the controllable factors that are contributing to spinal stenosis, the easier it will be to reduce or eliminate symptoms. In today’s blog, we take a closer look at some of the most common treatment options for different stages of spinal stenosis.
Treating The Early Stages Of Spinal Stenosis
If you are dealing with the early stages of spinal stenosis, symptoms may be mild or intermittent in nature. Some of the most common symptoms associated with early stage spinal stenosis include mild pain, discomfort that radiates down the extremities, a tingling or numbness sensation in the spine, arms or legs and muscle weakness. If you are dealing with these symptoms or have been diagnosed with mild spinal stenosis, odds are your spine specialist will recommend one or more of the following treatments:
- Physical Therapy – Physical therapy is perhaps the most commonly recommended form of treatment for mild or moderate spinal stenosis. PT helps to strengthen supportive muscle groups, which can aid in spinal support and make it easier for you to maintain a healthy posture that does not contribute to continued spinal canal narrowing. Stretching and strengthening key areas in the spine can also help you maintain normal flexibility in the face of spinal canal narrowing.
- Diet/Exercise/Weight Loss – Getting more exercise, improving your diet and losing a little weight can all help to take pressure off your spine that may be exacerbating spinal stenosis. Gradual positive lifestyle improvements can reduce or eliminate symptoms caused by spinal stenosis.
- Corticosteroid Injections – A corticosteroid injection can help to calm inflammation and irritation caused by spinal stenosis. This treatment is most effective when pursued alongside other treatments. When pain and discomfort is kept at bay by the injection, patients should pursue active interventions like exercise and physical therapy for best results.
Treating The Later Stages Of Spinal Stenosis
If you are unable to find relief with the previously mentioned treatments, or you’re dealing with more severe spinal stenosis, your doctor may recommend more hands-on treatments in the form of a surgical procedure. In most instances, there are two common procedures that are used to address moderate to severe spinal stenosis. Those treatments are:
- Laminectomy – During a laminectomy, part of the lamina bone (a portion of the spinal vertebra) is removed, which in turn creates more space for the nerves to pass unimpeded.
- Spinal Fusion – Another procedure that may be recommended is spinal fusion. In this procedure, two or more vertebrae are fused together, which limits excessive movement at different spinal segments. This movement is directly responsible for stenosis symptoms, so surgery to limit this excessive movement can prove beneficial for a number of patients.
Dr. Sinicropi and his team have helped countless patients find the right treatment for their spinal stenosis symptoms, and he’s confident that he can do the same for you. For more information, or for assistance treating a different back or neck issue, reach out to Dr. Sinicropi and the team at The Midwest Spine & Brain Institute today at (651) 430-3800.
