Treatment Options

There are some non-surgical treatment options that can temporarily decrease the inflammation caused by spinal stenosis, such as:
Physical therapy program, including:

• Aerobic conditioning

• Pool exercises

• Strengthening exercises

• Flexibility exercise

• Anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen and naproxen

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Epidural steroid injections. These injections deliver anti-inflammatory medication directly into the spinal canal and to the area of the inflammation.

 

Bracing is generally not recommended for long-term use. If used for too long, bracing can lead to de-conditioning of the muscles that support the back.

 

Acupuncture Treatment for Spinal Stenosis- Acupuncture is being used as a pain medication therapy, which helps reduce the risk of addiction to controlled substances.

 

Chiropractic manipulation can also be attempted.

Since conservative treatment for stenosis such as bracing, bed rest, physical therapy and pain management cannot improve the narrowing of the spinal canal, they have few proven long term benefits. There is, likewise, one absolute indication that decompressive surgery on the spine is required and that is progressive weakness. If progressive weakness interferes with your lifestyle, then surgery would be necessary.

Patients who choose “open” fusion procedures are usually hospitalized for several days and can only return to normal activities after two to three months. Elderly patients have higher rates of complications from “open” fusion surgery, as do overweight patients, diabetics, smokers and patients with multiple medical problems.

“Open” fusion surgery eliminates motion and prevents the slippage or curvature from worsening after surgery. The surgeon may use screws and rods to hold the spine in place while the body heals the bone together.

There are many risks with “open” fusion surgery, including:

• Bleeding

• Infection

• Blood clots

• Reaction to anesthesia

• Tear of the sac covering the nerves (dural tear)

• Failure to relieve symptoms

• Return of symptoms after some time

• Failure of the bone fusion to heal

• Failure of screws or rods

• Need for further surgery

• Injury to the nerves