A condition that is not well-known but can be debilitating is spinal stenosis. Spinal stenosis occurs when the spaces in the spine become too small to allow for proper spinal cord function. This condition can be brought on by arthritis, injury, or aging and will progress if left untreated, resulting in stiffness in the back, fatigue, and pain. It is important to note that it can happen in any part of the spine but most commonly happens in the lower back. Once you begin to lose function, there are ways to treat this condition, such as physical therapy, exercise, and steroids. If you have any signs or symptoms related to spinal stenosis, you want to visit a Georgetown spinal stenosis specialist for proper diagnosis and treatment. Here are some treatments they may recommend.
- Muscle Relaxing Medications
Muscle relaxing medications are prescribed by spinal stenosis specialists to help decrease pain and stiffness in the back. Sometimes this is all that is needed to treat the condition, but if not, they may move on to epidural injections. In most cases, your doctor will recommend this treatment if you experience weakness or changes in bowel and bladder function.
- Epidural Injections
An epidural injection is used to treat spinal stenosis by injecting a steroid drug directly into the space around the spinal cord. This medication effectively reduces pain and can last for weeks or months, depending on how many injections you need. This type of injection has to be performed under fluoroscopic imaging to ensure the medication goes precisely where needed.
- Surgery
If your symptoms are severe, you will require surgery to correct spinal stenosis. This surgery is typically used when other treatments have failed to relieve symptoms that significantly affect daily life. There are different surgeries, but standard procedures include laminectomy, foraminotomy, and microdiscectomy. Georgetown spinal stenosis specialists will determine the best course of treatment based on your preferences and specific condition. Contact them immediately if you have any concerns.
- Spine Injections
If you seek noninvasive procedures to treat spinal stenosis, Georgetown spine specialists may recommend epidural injections. These injections provide effective pain relief without the need for pills or surgery. You can also receive these injections at home, which reduces the inconvenience and discomfort associated with medical treatment options like medication and invasive surgery.
- Physical Therapy
Exercise is one of the best ways to treat spinal stenosis. It can be challenging to work out when you are in pain, but even low-impact exercise can relieve some pain and stiffness. It also helps strengthen muscles around the spine, stabilizing your lumbar vertebrae and preventing future injury. The best part about physical therapy is that it can be a community activity you can do with a friend or loved one. It doesn’t have to be a solo activity, and it has been shown to promote positive health benefits like improved sleep, reduced depression, and anxiety.
In summary, spinal stenosis is a condition that can be debilitating if not treated properly, and spine experts can help you determine the best course of treatment. The treatments discussed here are just some available for those experiencing spinal stenosis. If you know someone who has been diagnosed with this condition, share this article to help inform them of their treatment options.
