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.
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2012 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.
More Spinal Stenosis Information
Improved
620 HealthChanged
293 LivesSaved
210 LivesPopular this Week
Connect with Women Like You 61 Women Care About this Condition
You're not alone. Connect with other women who are going through what you're going through, who understand and are here for you!
+ Join this Community
