Spinal stenosis treatment is aimed at relieving a patient’s symptoms of localized back or neck pain and radiating discomfort. These symptoms occur when the spinal cord or a spinal nerve root is compressed as a result of the narrowing of the spinal canal. If nonsurgical techniques prove insufficient at reliving a patient’s symptoms, the focus of spinal stenosis treatment may shift to decompressing the affected spinal nerve through surgery.

Causes of Spinal Stenosis

A number of spinal conditions can lead to the development of spinal stenosis. Most of these conditions occur as a result of the natural aging process and the degenerative changes that accompany it. Over time, the constant strain that is placed on the neck and back can lead to the deterioration of the vertebrae, intervertebral discs, facet joints, and other anatomical components of the spine. The following degenerative spinal conditions can arise from these degenerative changes, and each can cause spinal stenosis:

– Herniated discs – This condition occurs when the inner content of an intervertebral disc (nucleus pulposus) seeps through a tear in the disc’s tough outer wall (annulus fibrosus) that has developed because of degenerative changes. The extruded disc material can invade the spinal canal, causing spinal stenosis and the subsequent compression of a spinal nerve.

– Bulging discs – A bulging disc is similar to a herniated disc in that it is caused by a weakening of the annulus fibrosus. Unlike a herniated disc, however, the annulus fibrosus remains intact and the nucleus pulposus remains contained. Instead, the annulus fibrosus weakens to the point that it is no longer able to keep the nucleus pulposus within its normal boundary, allowing the disc to balloon to one side, potentially entering the spinal canal.

– Spinal arthritis – The facet joints that connect articulating vertebrae and enable the spine to bend, twist, and otherwise move, can become arthritic like other joints in the body. This occurs when the thin layer of cartilage that lines and lubricates the joints wears away over time, leading to the inflammation of the joints. The body sometimes creates bone spurs in an attempt to stabilize arthritic joints. Unfortunately, bone spurs can invade the spinal canal, causing a narrowing of the spinal canal.

Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis

When the spinal canal narrows as a result of a degenerative spinal condition, the various nerves that branch from the spinal cord are susceptible to becoming compressed. It is the compression of these nerves that leads to the symptoms of spinal condition, which can include pain, numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness. The location of these symptoms will vary depending on which region of the spine contains the compressed nerve:

– Cervical spine – neck, upper back, shoulders, arms, and/or hands

– Thoracic spine – middle back, ribs, torso, and/or inner organs

– Lumbar spine – lower back, hips, buttocks, legs, and/or feet

Conservative Treatment for Spinal Stenosis

When a patient is diagnosed with spinal stenosis, most physicians will begin treatment for the condition with a regimen of conservative, nonsurgical treatments. The exact regimen will vary based on the patient, his or her specific symptoms, the severity of the condition, and the patient’s overall level of health. Due to the personalized nature of the treatment of spinal stenosis, patients should only attempt to alleviate their symptoms after they have consulted a physician and received a treatment plan that is tailored to their particular needs.

Many patients will be advised to utilize over-the-counter medications to alleviate their symptoms. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and naproxen, are often the medication of choice. NSAIDs relieve pain and reduce inflammation by blocking the body’s production of the COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes, which are an essential part of the body’s inflammatory response. However, NSAIDs can be harmful to those who suffer from certain gastrointestinal or cardiovascular conditions. These patients may be instructed to take over-the counter analgesics like acetaminophen instead. If over-the-counter medications are insufficient at relieving a patient’s pain and discomfort, their physician may prescribe narcotic pain relievers and/or muscle relaxants.

Physical therapy is often recommended in conjunction with medication. This type of treatment primarily aims to increase the strength of a patient’s neck and/or back muscles to provide the spine with added support. In turn, this can relieve some of the pressure that is being placed on the spinal nerve that is being compressed. In addition to strength training, physical therapy can also include other treatment methods, such as:

– Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) – the introduction of a low-voltage electrical current to induce the body’s production of endorphins, which are natural pain relievers

– Cryotherapy – the application of ice to reduce inflammation and numb pain

– Thermotherapy – the application of a heating pad to increase blood flow to the affected area and to relieve muscle tension

Alternative Treatment for Spinal Stenosis

Some patients may choose to complement their doctor-recommended treatments with alternative therapies that take a more holistic approach to relieving the symptoms of spinal stenosis. The efficacy of a number of these therapies is the subject of debate among the medical community. However, many patients attribute alternative therapies with relieving their chronic back or neck pain.

One of the more popular alternative therapies for spinal stenosis is acupuncture. This therapy involves the insertion of small needles into specific points on the body. This practice is said to induce the body’s production of endorphins and may help to relieve pain by scrambling nerve signals.

Herbal supplements are also popular among those who are seeking treatment for spinal stenosis. Some supplements are thought to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, promote healing, and perform other tasks that can prove beneficial for easing the symptoms of spinal stenosis. Those who are interested in utilizing herbal supplements for treating chronic back or neck pain should consult an herbal nutritionist to find the supplements that will provide them with optimal results.

Other popular alternative therapies include:

– Chiropractic manipulation

– Restorative yoga

– Hypnotism

– Acupressure

Surgical Treatment for Spinal Stenosis

In the event that conservative treatments and/or alternative therapies prove insufficient after several weeks or months, some patients may be advised to consider surgical treatment. Open spine surgery for spinal stenosis is performed under general anesthesia and often requires the dissection of the muscles in the neck or back to gain access to the spine. The vertebral segment that contains the affected spinal nerve is then fused with an adjacent vertebra. This prevents any further movement in the fused area of the spine, which in turn decompresses the affected nerve. Patients typically face lengthy and arduous rehabilitations and some require additional surgery in the future.

Some patients are able to undergo a minimally invasive procedure in lieu of open spine surgery. These procedures are performed on an outpatient basis and utilize an endoscope to gain access to the spine through a very small incision. Only a small portion of spinal anatomy is removed, preventing the need for spinal fusion. As a result, many patients are able to recover within a matter of weeks.

Before consenting to any surgical treatment for spinal stenosis, it may be advisable for patients to receive a second or third opinion. Contact a spine specialist today to learn more.

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 procedures for spinal stenosis and several other spinal conditions.

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 procedures for spinal stenosis and other spinal conditions. http://laserspineinstitute.com/back_problems/spinal_stenosis/

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 procedures for spinal stenosis and several other spinal conditions.

Category: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: Spinal Stenosis Treatment