Spinal stenosis is a condition in which the spinal canal is narrowed, which places pressure on the delicate spinal cord and causes symptoms like back pain, numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness. If you have spinal stenosis, you could consider talking to a spine doctor in Miami about your medical treatment options. There are nonsurgical and surgical treatments available that can help you, along with non-medical coping techniques for managing chronic pain such as relaxation techniques.
Consider Spinal Injections
Spinal injections are one of the treatment options available for spinal stenosis patients. A spine doctor can inject an anti-inflammatory medication directly into the site where the nerve roots are being pinched. Spinal injections can provide relief for weeks, but doctors generally recommend limiting them to a few times per year because of the risk of complications.
Consult a Physical Therapist
Physical therapy can be an effective way to relieve pain and improve range of motion, flexibility, and muscle strength. Getting active is particularly important for patients with spinal stenosis, since these patients often try to avoid physical activity because of their pain. Building up muscle strength may help manage pain over time.
Use Relaxation Techniques
Living with chronic pain can be highly stressful and it can reduce quality of life. Managing stress is important for patients with spinal stenosis and relaxation techniques can help. Consider practicing deep breathing techniques. Go to a distraction-free location and get into a comfortable position. Breathe in deeply through your nose and exhale slowly through your mouth. Releasing muscle tension is another effective way to relax. Starting with your toes and working upward, squeeze each muscle group one at a time and then release.
Talk to Your Doctor About Surgery
If conservative treatment options aren’t enough to manage your symptoms and your condition is affecting your quality of life, it might be time to talk to your spine doctor about having surgery. The goal of spinal stenosis surgery is to eliminate the pressure on the spinal cord. The spine surgeon may perform a laminectomy, laminotomy, or laminoplasty to create more space within the spinal canal.
