Repairing Guides

how to repair spinal stenosis

by Mrs. Lacey Stiedemann Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
image

Surgery to decompress the area of stenosis is the most definitive way to try to resolve symptoms of spinal stenosis. Research shows that spine surgeries result in fewer complications when done by highly experienced surgeons. Don't hesitate to ask about your surgeon's experience with spinal stenosis surgery.Oct 24, 2020

Medication

What is the best doctor to treat spinal stenosis? Score 4.6/5; If your primary care doctor thinks you have spinal stenosis, he or she may refer you to a doctor who specializes in disorders of the nervous system (neurologist). Depending on the severity of your symptoms, you may also need to see a spinal surgeon (neurosurgeon, orthopedic surgeon).

Procedures

Using Alternative Medicine to Manage Spinal Stenosis Pain

  • Chiropractic Treatment. The goal of chiropractic treatment is to increase range of motion, and many people see a chiropractor to “loosen up their spine.”
  • Massage Therapy. Massage therapy may help increase circulation to your soft tissues as well as release restrictions and muscle spasms that can keep you from moving fully.
  • Feldenkrais. ...

Therapy

Spinal Stenosis Exercises

  1. Back Flexion. This exercise will increase the open spacing between the vertebrae to alleviate pain. ...
  2. Child’s Pose. Position yourself on all fours with hands placed in line with the shoulders and knees with the hips.
  3. Cat/Cow. ...
  4. Abdominal Work. ...
  5. Curl-Ups. ...
  6. Tiger Pose. ...
  7. Lower Back Stretch. ...
  8. Front/Side Plank. ...
  9. Chin Tucks. ...
  10. Knees to Chest. ...

More items...

Nutrition

Spinal stenosis can often be treated by simple measures such as medicines for pain relief, keeping as active as you can and losing weight if you are overweight. Sometimes surgery is needed if simple measures are not successful. Very occasionally, some patient's with spinal stenosis may develop Cauda

See more

What is the best doctor to treat spinal stenosis?

How to treat spinal stenosis in 10 ways, holistically?

What is the best exercise for stenosis?

Can stenosis of the spine be cured?

See more

image

Can you reverse stenosis of the spine?

While spinal stenosis can't be reversed, treatment is available to address your pain.

Can spinal stenosis be corrected without surgery?

There are several nonsurgical options available to treat spinal stenosis. In fact, most cases of spinal stenosis improve without the need for surgery. Often, finding an effective solution for spinal stenosis requires a combination of therapies, such as medication combined with physical therapy.

What is the success rate of spinal stenosis surgery?

Success Rates of Lumbar Laminectomy for Spinal Stenosis Research suggests: 85% to 90% of lumbar central spinal stenosis patients find relief from leg pain after an open laminectomy surgery. 75% of patients may have satisfactory outcomes for up to 10 years postoperatively.

Can a person with spinal stenosis be cured?

Lumbar spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the spine that happens gradually over time. There is no cure for lumbar spinal stenosis but your healthcare provider can help you manage the condition.

What should I avoid with spinal stenosis?

What Is Spinal Stenosis?Avoid Excessive Back Extension. ... Avoid Long Walks or Running. ... Avoid Certain Stretches and Poses. ... Avoid Loading a Rounded Back. ... Avoid Too Much Bed Rest. ... Avoid Contact Sports.

Can a chiropractor fix spinal stenosis?

Spinal stenosis is a painful condition that is caused by the narrowing of the spinal canal. Although chiropractic treatments cannot cure spinal stenosis, they can reduce symptoms in patients with mild cases.

When is it time for surgery for spinal stenosis?

Why might your doctor recommend surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis? Your doctor might recommend surgery if: Your pain and weakness are bad enough to get in the way of your normal activities and have become more than you can manage.

Why you should avoid back surgery?

If things go south, some of the potential complications of back surgery can include an adverse reaction to anesthesia, bleeding, infection, deadly blood clots that can circulate to the heart or lungs, heart attack, stroke, and nerve damage.

What are the final stages of spinal stenosis?

Spinal stenosis, often an end stage of the spine degenerative process, is characterized by leg pain with walking. Pain will go away with rest but you may have to specifically sit down to ease the leg pain.

What is the best exercise for spinal stenosis?

If you're looking to add to your exercise regimen—and if your doctor has given you the green light—walking and swimming are both excellent exercises for lumbar spinal stenosis. You can even combine both activities by doing water walking.

What are three treatments for spinal stenosis?

Spinal stenosis is commonly treated with medication, both over-the-counter and prescription. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) reduce pain and inflammation. Examples of over-the-counter NSAIDs include aspirin, naproxen (Aleve), and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin).

What is the life expectancy of someone with spinal stenosis?

Hennenhoefer says you can live a normal life with a spinal stenosis diagnosis and can work on improving your mobility and comfort. "Unfortunately, nothing can stop the progression of spinal stenosis, since it is due to daily wear and tear," said Dr.

What is the most common treatment for spinal stenosis?

Surgery to decompress the area of stenosis is the most definitive way to try to resolve symptoms of spinal stenosis. Research shows that spine surgeries result in fewer complications when done by highly experienced surgeons. Don't hesitate to ask about your surgeon's experience with spinal stenosis surgery.

When is surgery necessary for spinal stenosis?

Why might your doctor recommend surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis? Your doctor might recommend surgery if: Your pain and weakness are bad enough to get in the way of your normal activities and have become more than you can manage.

What happens if you let spinal stenosis go untreated?

Rarely, untreated severe spinal stenosis may progress and cause permanent: Numbness. Weakness. Balance problems.

Will I end up in a wheelchair with spinal stenosis?

Disability: In severe cases of spinal stenosis, a patient can end up permanently disabled. This may be through paralysis, or weakness so severe that it is impossible to stand and move as normal. It is not unreasonable to expect severe stenosis to lead to a person being bound to a wheelchair.

Spinal Stenosis Fundamentals

With age, the spinal canal – located in the lower back – can narrow, resulting in spinal stenosis. The narrowing process, which is gradual, reduces...

What Causes Spinal Stenosis?

Spinal stenosis occurs when bulging discs, arthritic spurs, and thickened tissues combine to "compress" the nerves traveling through the spinal can...

What Are Treatment Options For Spinal Stenosis?

Medical Treatment 1. Taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for relief. 2. Receiving cortisone injections directly into the spinal c...

How Do I Prepare For Spinal Stenosis Surgery?

To prepare for spine surgery, quit smoking if you smoke, exercise on a regular basis to improve your recovery rate, stop taking any non-essential m...

What Happens After Spinal Surgery?

Pain may persist for a few days after surgery, requiring the use of pain medications and NSAIDs to reduce swelling. However, your doctor will likel...

How Long Is The Recovery Period After Surgery?

Full recovery after surgery for spinal stenosis typically takes three months and possibly longer for spinal fusion, depending partially on the pati...

What Is The Rehab After Spinal Stenosis Surgery?

After spine surgery, your doctor will likely prescribe walking and strengthening exercises for the lower back and abdomen to help stabilize the spine.

What Are The CCF Physician credentials?

1. All doctors at Cleveland Clinic Center for Spine Health are fellowship-trained and board-certified or board-eligible in orthopaedic surgery, med...

What Clinical Trials Are Being Conducted at CCF on Spinal Stenosis?

Researchers at Cleveland Clinic are involved in ongoing studies that investigate new drugs and treatment approaches for managing disease. Participa...

Are There Other Resources That I Can Go to For More Information on Spinal Stenosis?

Patients can go to the following resources for more information on this procedure: 1. Cleveland Clinic Health Information Center 2. American Academ...

Treatment

Results

Benefits

Effects

Medically reviewed by
Dr. Karthikeya T M
Your provider will work with you to develop a care plan that may include one or more of these treatment options.
Treatment options for spinal stenosis include: Medication, physical therapy and surgery. Surgical procedures are opted if the pain is severe and there are any neurological problems.
Medication

Analgesics: Reduce pain.

Ibuprofen . Naproxen . Acetaminophen


Antidepressants: Ease chronic pain.

Doxepin . Clomipramine


Anti-seizure medication: Reduce pain caused by damaged nerve.

Gabapentin . Pregabalin


Opioids: For short time pain relief.

Oxycodone . Hydrocodone


Steroid injections: Prevent swelling.

Betamethasone

Procedures

Laminectomy: Part of the vertebrae is removed and more space is provided for the nerves.

Foraminotomy: This is a procedure to widen the passageway where the spinal nerve root exits the spinal canal.

Spinal fusion: Bone grafts or metal implants are used to attach the affected bones of the spine together.

Therapy

Physical therapy:To maintain flexibility and build up strength.

Nutrition

Foods to eat:

  • Foods to stay hydrated
  • Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables
  • Carbohydrates and fat
  • Protein
  • Vitamin and minerals
  • Soy-based food and beverages

Foods to avoid:

  • Red meat
  • Caffeine
  • Alcohol

Specialist to consult

Neurologist
Specializes in treating diseases of the nervous system, which includes the brain, the spinal cord, and the nerves.
Neurosurgeon
Specializes in surgery on the nervous system, especially the brain and spinal cord.
Spinal surgeon
Specializes in the treatment of spinal diseases and conditions through surgical procedures.
Orthopedic surgeon
Specializes in the surgery of bone and joint disorders.

Management

Image
To diagnose spinal stenosis, your doctor may ask you about signs and symptoms, discuss your medical history, and conduct a physical examination. He or she may order several imaging tests to help pinpoint the cause of your signs and symptoms.
See more on mayoclinic.org

Overview

Uses

Diagnosis

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9