Like many patients who have received a spinal stenosis diagnosis, you’re probably wondering, “What comes next?” And, like many patients, you may be frustrated by the answer: It depends. What comes next can vary based on your overall level of health, the severity of your symptoms, what’s causing the constriction of your spinal canal, and many other factors. While you may desperately want your physician to provide a clear-cut timetable for your recovery, it’s simply not possible. But don’t get too frustrated – take comfort in knowing that most patients are able to relieve their symptoms through the use of conservative, nonsurgical treatments, and very few will require surgery.

What is Spinal Stenosis, Anyway?

Before you can fully understand how the various spinal stenosis treatments work, you should know a little about the condition itself. Spinal stenosis occurs when the spinal canal (the passage through which the spinal cord traverses) becomes constricted, resulting in the compression of a spinal nerve, nerve root, or even the spinal cord itself.

The condition has many different causes, including traumatic injury, congenital defect, and the presence of tumors. The most common cause of spinal stenosis, though, is nothing more nefarious than the natural aging process. As an individual grows older, the constant wear and tear on the neck and back can begin to take its toll, and the spinal components can begin to break down. The facet joints can become arthritic, the intervertebral discs can herniate or bulge, and the ligaments can harden, all of which can cause a narrowing of the spinal canal.

What are Some of the Nonsurgical Methods Used to Treat the Condition?

The majority of patients who receive a spinal stenosis diagnosis are advised to take over-the-counter, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These drugs – including ibuprofen and naproxen – work by interfering with the body’s production of the COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes, which play an important role in the body’s inflammatory response. In addition to reducing inflammation, NSAIDs can be used to quell mild to moderate pain. Some patients, such as those who suffer from cardiovascular or gastrointestinal conditions, may be unable to take NSAIDs. As an alternative, these patients may be advised to take an over-the-counter analgesic such as acetaminophen.

Many patients also benefit from working with a physical therapist. During physical therapy sessions, patients perform exercises that strengthen and stretch specific muscles in the neck and back. The primary goal of these exercises is to give the spine added support and/or relieve muscle tension, thereby reducing neural compression. Physical therapy can entail many other treatment methods, such as transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), massage therapy, and ultrasound therapy, to name a few.

If appropriate, a physician may advise a patient who has received a spinal stenosis diagnosis to make certain lifestyle changes. For instance, overweight patients can significantly improve their spinal health by losing weight. Likewise, those who lead sedentary lifestyles can benefit from becoming more physically active, and patients who use tobacco products or abuse alcohol can benefit from reversing these unhealthy behaviors.

What About Surgery?

Few patients who receive a spinal stenosis diagnosis will be advised to undergo surgery. If your physician recommends an operation to decompress a neural structure in your spine, make sure you know about the potential risks before consenting. You may also want to receive a second or third opinion to ensure that surgery truly is your best treatment option.

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 patients who have received a spinal stenosis diagnosis.

Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute treats patients who have received a spinal stenosis diagnosis. http://www.laserspineinstitute.com/back_problems/spinal_stenosis/about_your_diagnosis/

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 patients who have received a spinal stenosis diagnosis.

Category: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: spinal stenosis diagnosis