There are several nonsurgical options available to treat spinal stenosis. In fact, most cases of spinal stenosis improve without the need for surgery. Often, finding an effective solution for spinal stenosis requires a combination of therapies, such as medication combined with physical therapy.
Many people with mild spinal stenosis find that nonsurgical treatments such as pain medication and physical therapy relieve symptoms and help them remain active. NYU Langone spine specialists work with experts in pain management, rehabilitation, and orthotics to create a treatment plan.
Most patients with stenosis will not need surgery and the condition can resolve on its own with time, or with the help of medications and injections.
If nonsurgical treatment and therapeutic injections have not eased the pain caused by spinal stenosis, doctors at NYU Langone may recommend surgery to relieve pressure on nerves or the spinal cord. Browse our specialists and get the care you need.
Lumbar spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the spine that happens gradually over time. There is no cure for lumbar spinal stenosis but your healthcare provider can help you manage the condition.
Most spinal stenosis cases can be successfully treated without surgery. In fact, an estimated 70% of patients with lumbar spinal stenosis can effectively manage their symptoms with non-surgical treatments alone. Only 10% to 15% of lumbar stenosis patients must undergo surgery for their symptoms.
Contact sports like basketball, football, soccer, and martial arts are exercises to avoid with spinal stenosis. These activities can involve sudden trauma to the spine, which may lead to further injury. Activities that involve jumping, such as jumping rope, should be avoided with spinal stenosis.
The latest lumbar spinal stenosis treatment has been referred to with many different names, including non-fusion implant and dynamic stabilization system, among others. These names all refer to devices that are used in place of spinal fusion to provide stability and symptom relief.
The Vertiflex Superion® interspinous spacer is a FDA-approved system designed to relieve back pain by restoring the normal space between the vertebrae. Because it is a minimally-invasive procedure, the Vertiflex procedure is a solution for back pain patients for whom medications or injections have failed.
Spinal stenosis is generally not progressive. The pain tends to come and go, but it usually does not progress with time. The natural history with spinal stenosis, in the majority of patients, is that of episodic periods of pain and dysfunction.
Walking is a good exercise for spinal stenosis. It's low impact, and you control the pace and distance.
Often Magnesium glycinate or Epsom Salt baths can greatly diminish muscle aches and tension resulting from spinal stenosis. Referrals to trusted colleagues: Alternative modalities such as Acupuncture, Craniosacral therapy, and massage can all lessen pain and promote the body's natural healing mechanisms.
A decompression laminectomy is the gold standard of surgery for treating spinal stenosis. This surgery removes the bony spurs and buildup of bone in the spinal canal, giving more room for the spinal cord and nerves.
Walking, standing, or extending the lumbar area of the spine can cause symptoms to worsen.
Stenosis is considered severe when it causes loss of certain functions or disabilities, or when other treatment options have failed to relieve symptoms. You should consult an expert neurosurgeon to assess your symptoms.
Spinal Stenosis
With this condition, it may be preferable to sleep on the sides with the knees curled up (in the fetal position). This helps relieve pressure on the nerve root. Sleeping in a reclining chair or an adjustable bed that allows the head and knees to remain elevated can also relieve pressure on the nerve.
The two main surgical procedures to treat lumbar spinal stenosis are laminectomy and spinal fusion. Laminectomy: This procedure involves removal of the bone, bone spurs, and ligaments that compress the nerves. Spinal fusion: In this procedure, two or more vertebrae are permanently fused together.
Most people have good results from surgery and are able to return to a normal lifestyle after they heal. People tend to have less leg pain and can walk better afterward. However, surgery doesn't cure arthritis or other conditions that might have caused the spinal canal to narrow in the first place.
The most common conventional treatments for spinal stenosis at L4 and L5 include: Physical therapy, which may involve strengthening and flexibility exercises, stabilization, joint mobilization, heat or ice therapy, and massage.
Acetaminophen (eg, Tylenol), aspirin, ibuprofen (eg, Motrin, Advil), and naproxen (eg, Aleve) are examples of OTC analgesics that your doctor may recommend for spinal stenosis.
Most patients with cervical or lumbar spinal stenosis respond well to non-surgical treatments (such as medication), so you may not need spine surgery. However, there are situations when you may want to go ahead with spine surgery.