Spinal Stenosis Treatments

Lumbar spinal stenosis occurs when the spinal canal narrows in the lower back, putting pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots. This condition can cause symptoms like lower back pain, numbness, tingling, leg pain, and weakness, particularly when standing or walking. The severity of symptoms varies, and treatment options range from conservative (non-surgical) methods to surgery, depending on the severity of the condition. Below are some common treatments for lumbar spinal stenosis:

Conservative (Non-Surgical) Treatments

For many people, non-surgical treatments can help alleviate symptoms and improve function.

Massage Therapy

• Therapeutic massage can help relax tight muscles, reduce pain, and improve circulation around the affected area. It may help alleviate muscle spasms that are common with lumbar spinal stenosis.

Physical Therapy

• A physical therapist can guide you through exercises designed to strengthen the muscles surrounding the spine, improve posture, and increase flexibility.
• Stretching exercises: Help improve the flexibility of the spine and muscles, which can relieve pressure on the nerves.
• Postural training: Techniques to improve posture and reduce pressure on the spine and nerves.
• Core strengthening exercises: Strengthening the muscles of the abdomen, lower back, and pelvis can help support the spine and reduce symptoms.

Medications

• Pain relievers: Over-the-counter medications like NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) can reduce inflammation and help with pain relief.
• Acetaminophen: For mild pain relief, acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be an option.
• Muscle relaxants: Medications like cyclobenzaprine or methocarbamol can help reduce muscle spasms that sometimes occur with spinal stenosis.
• Corticosteroids: Short-term oral corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone) can reduce inflammation in the spinal area, though they are typically used only for brief periods due to potential side effects.
• Topical analgesics: Creams or patches containing capsaicin or lidocaine can be applied to the skin to alleviate localized pain.

Spinal Injections

Epidural steroid injections: An injection of corticosteroids into the epidural space around the spinal cord can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain, especially if nerve roots are compressed. This is typically done if oral medications are ineffective.

Facet joint injections: If the pain originates from the small joints in the back (facet joints), facet joint injections can help with pain relief.

Surgical Treatments

If conservative treatments do not provide relief, or if symptoms significantly impair function or quality of life, surgery may be considered. Surgical options for lumbar spinal stenosis aim to relieve pressure on the nerves and improve function.