There are several options for spinal stenosis pain relief.
Spinal stenosis happens when your spine narrows, putting pressure on the spinal cord or nerves, according to the . It is a type of osteoarthritis. As a result, you may experience pain, tingling or numbness in your neck, back, shoulders or arms. The symptoms depend upon the location where the spine narrows. Depending upon the severity of these symptoms, you have several options for relief.
Medication
Analgesics like Tylenol provide pain relief but do not reduce inflammation that may occur in stenosis. To reduce inflammation, consider using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) like over-the-counter ibuprofen or aspirin. Prescription NSAIDS that you may find more effective are also available.
Chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine are over-the-counter supplements that have shown positive effects on osteoarthritis, though not specifically on stenosis, according to the Mayo Clinic. Because they can interfere with other medications, talk to your doctor before starting these supplements.
Corticosteroids may provide relief because they suppress inflammation and can be injected directly into the spinal fluid. Because of serious side effect potential, your doctor will likely not use a corticosteroid injection more three times a year.
Alternative Treatments
Physical therapy, acupuncture and chiropractic treatments may all provide relief from spinal stenosis. Your doctor may prescribe physical therapy and exercises that help you maintain motion in the spine and strengthen your abdominal muscles. Swimming and using an exercise bike may also help you gently condition these areas.
Consider using acupuncture to relieve low-back pain. According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, acupuncture has benefited some people with this type of stenosis pain.
Chiropractic treatment involves manipulating the spine to restore normal movement. Some people report relief using this technique because it increases the space between vertebrae and reduces pressure on the spinal cord.
Surgery
There are two main types of surgery that can provide relief for spinal stenosis: a partial or complete laminectomy or spinal fusion. A laminectomy removes all or part the lamina, which is the bone over the spinal canal, to make more room for the nerves. A spinal fusion can be done at the same time or performed separately. It involves fusing the vertebra together and is especially effective if your vertebrae are slipping over one another.
The Mayo Clinic cautions that surgery is not a cure-all treatment for spinal stenosis. Because it does not stop the degenerative process, your symptoms may return. You may wish to consult your doctor before making any decisions about spinal stenosis.
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