Spinal stenosis (also known as spinal canal narrowing) occurs when the bones of your spine, which are meant to be flexible, begin to harden and become stiff over time.
This can make it difficult to do basic activities like walking or bending down to tie your shoes, and can cause you to feel pain in your lower back and legs with each step you take.
Fortunately, there are treatment options available in Leesburg to ease your symptoms and help you lead an active lifestyle again. Here are five ways to treat spinal stenosis.
1) Oral Medications
Oral medication is a common form of treatment for spinal stenosis. This can be done by taking over-the-counter painkillers or prescription drugs.
Doctors for pain management in Leesburg will often prescribe opioid pain relievers, such as Tylenol or Vicodin, but they are only recommended in the short term.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen and naproxen, have also been shown to be an effective treatment.
2) Steroid Injections
Steroid injections are one of the most common spinal stenosis treatments and are often given in a series of 4-6 injections over a few weeks.
A corticosteroid is injected into the vertebrae that have been narrowed or may be pressing on nerves.
The steroid is then released and will reduce inflammation, decrease pain, and help stimulate cartilage growth.
3) Get Physical Therapy
Physical therapy for pain management is one of the best treatments for spinal stenosis.
Research has shown that it can help relieve pain and improve physical functioning in patients with chronic spinal stenosis.
In a study, patients who were given physical therapy three times a week for six weeks had less pain and more mobility than those who were given medication or no treatment at all.
Plus, physical therapists have the expertise to diagnose and treat back pain in many ways, so they are often well-equipped to help you feel better.
4) Surgery
Surgical intervention may be the only option for some patients. During surgery, an intervertebral disc is removed and the two spinal vertebrae are fused together with screws or plates.
The goal of the surgery is to provide stability and reduce pain from pressure on nerves.
The recovery period can take anywhere from a couple of weeks to six months depending on how many discs were removed and how extensive the surgery was.
Patients will also need time to adjust back into their lives after being in bed for so long.
5) MILD Procedure
One of the best ways to treat spinal stenosis is by undergoing a spinal decompression procedure also known as the MILD procedure. MILD stands for minimally invasive lumbar decompression.
It is a minor surgical procedure that reduces the pressure on the nerves caused by spinal stenosis.
This procedure can be done in your doctor’s office and doesn’t require any general anesthesia.
Conclusion
For most sufferers, spinal stenosis is a mix of both physical and mental challenges. One of the most frustrating aspects is just how long it can take to find relief, but if you know where to look, then you can get relief from spinal stenosis.
At Innovative Pain Solutions, Dr. Kalia – a double board-certified and one of the best pain specialists in Leesburg performs the MILD procedure for spinal stenosis.
If you’re looking for stenosis pain management in Leesburg, schedule your consultation appointment at our pain management clinic now.
