Are There Alternative Treatments For Spinal Stenosis That Work

Spinal stenosis can cause pain, muscle weakness, numbness, and other symptoms that make it difficult to go about your day-to-day life. Sometimes, it can seem like relief from symptoms is unreachable. Fortunately, the vast majority of spinal stenosis patients are able to find lasting relief, especially now that there are a number of effective alternative treatments available.

Understanding Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis describes a narrowing of the spinal canal, the "tunnel" through which the spinal cord passes. This narrowing can occur due to a wide variety of spine conditions, including:

• Bulging discs
• Herniated discs
• Bone spurs
• Spondylolithesis
• Vertebral fractures
• Spinal tumors (rare)

Treatment Options

There are a wide range of treatment options for the various conditions that cause stenosis, ranging from simple lifestyle changes to major spinal surgery. Often, a combination of treatments is used. It's rare for surgery to be the first course of action unless symptoms are severe or progressive. Some treatments for stenosis include:

• Physical therapy - Reduces the pressure on the spine by strengthening the core and improving alignment.
• Medication - Many symptoms of stenosis occur because of inflammation. Medication can help to keep inflammation down.
• Steroid injections - When injected into the epidural space, steroid injections provide much more powerful anti-inflammatory effects than oral medication.
• Traditional surgery - Traditional, open spine surgery is a very invasive procedure, but it's sometimes necessary.
• Laser spine surgery - Laser spine surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that allows doctors to operate on the spine without opening it up. It can be used for a number of issues, including disc problems.
• Stem cell therapy - For herniated and bulging discs, stem cell therapy is an alternative treatment that can lead to a powerful reduction in inflammation.
• Minimally invasive surgery - A number of other minimally invasive surgeries can be used to treat issues like vertebral fractures.

With so many options available, patients are able to get relief from their symptoms without undergoing invasive procedures like open spine surgery.

Only a doctor can tell you what treatment is right for you. To learn more about treatment for your spinal stenosis, please click below and enter your information or call the Datta Endoscopic Back Surgery and Pain Center at (646) 374-1799.