A surgical spinal stenosis procedure is generally recommended for a small percentage of patients who are diagnosed with the condition. Fortunately, most patients are able to receive the relief they require from conservative, nonsurgical treatments. Before you seriously consider undergoing a surgical procedure (and before we discuss spinal stenosis surgery in this article), you should first learn about some of the nonsurgical treatments that very well could be effective at relieving your pain and discomfort.

Medication

Some spinal stenosis symptoms can become less severe when combated with an over-the-counter, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as ibuprofen, aspirin, or naproxen. These medications interfere with the body’s inflammatory response and, in turn, can alleviate swelling and tenderness. Patients with certain gastrointestinal or cardiovascular conditions, as well as those with some drug allergies, may be advised to forego NSAIDs and utilize acetaminophen instead. Over-the-counter medications occasionally prove ineffective; if you are among those whose symptoms don’t respond to these medications, your physician may prescribe a narcotic pain reliever and/or muscle relaxant.

Heat/Ice Therapy

Another generally effective nonsurgical treatment for spinal stenosis involves the application of heat and ice. Some patients may be advised to alternate between the two while others may be directed to exclusively use one or the other. Be sure to ask your physician which course of action is best for you.

Heat therapy, or thermotherapy, helps relieve muscle tension and increase the flow of nutrient-rich blood to the area where heat is applied. This can reduce the pressure placed on the affected spinal nerve or nerve root and may aid in the body’s healing process. Ice therapy (cryotherapy), on the other hand, can help numb away pain and reduce inflammation. As with a decrease in muscle tension, a reduction in inflammation can help relieve the pressure placed on a spinal nerve or nerve root.

Lifestyle Modifications

In many cases, simply reversing certain unhealthy habits can help patients avoid a surgical spinal stenosis procedure. For instance, individuals who are overweight can significantly reduce the strain that is placed on the neck or back by shedding excess pounds. Likewise, those who lead sedentary lifestyles (even if not necessarily overweight) can reduce nerve compression by becoming physically active and strengthening the spine’s supporting muscles in the neck, back, and abdomen. Patients who use tobacco products or abuse alcohol can also benefit from eliminating or reducing these unhealthy habits.

When to Consider Surgery & What to Think About

There are myriad other nonsurgical treatments that your physician or spine specialist can recommend. So, just because your pain and discomfort isn’t alleviated by the three treatments mentioned above, it doesn’t automatically mean that you’re a candidate for a surgical spinal stenosis procedure. If your physician does recommend an operation, then you may want to ask if you’re a candidate for a minimally invasive procedure as an alternative to open neck or back surgery.

A minimally invasive (endoscopic) procedure is generally performed on an outpatient basis, meaning that it doesn’t require an overnight hospital stay. Whereas open neck or back surgery is performed through a large incision that dissects musculature, a minimally invasive procedure is executed through a very small incision (typically less than one inch long) and the muscles are gently pushed to the side. An endoscopic procedure doesn’t necessitate the fusion of any vertebrae and typically requires a significantly less arduous rehabilitation than open neck or back surgery.

Even though there are many advantages to undergoing a minimally invasive procedure in lieu of a surgical spinal stenosis procedure, you should still ask your physician if there are any risks you should consider. You may also want to receive a second or third opinion before you consent to any surgical treatment.

Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute specializes in safe and effective outpatient spinal stenosis procedure options.

Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute specializes in safe and effective outpatient spinal stenosis procedure options. http://www.laserspineinstitute.com/back_problems/spinal_stenosis/treatment/surgery/

Author Bio: Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute specializes in safe and effective outpatient spinal stenosis procedure options.

Category: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: spinal stenosis procedure