Spinal Stenosis Treatments

Treatment

Treatments include:

Medication

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( NSAIDs )—to relieve pain and inflammation
Analgesics—to relieve pain
Corticosteroid injections —to reduce pain and inflammation

Physical Therapy

Special exercises can help stabilize the spinal cord. Exercise can increase muscle endurance and mobility of the spine. This can relieve some pain. Exercises are often ineffective against spinal stenosis.

Spinal Cord

Support Devices

Wearing a corset or lumbar brace can help stabilize the spine. This may alleviate pain.

Surgery

Surgery is reserved for severe cases.

Decompression laminectomy —the removal of bony spurs or increased bone mass in the spinal canal. This can free up space for the nerves and the spinal cord.
Spinal fusion —two vertebrae (back bones) are fused together. This will provide stronger support for the spine. This is almost always done after decompression laminectomy.

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