Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the spinal canal in the neck or back. According to the Mayo Clinic, this narrowing can put pressure on the spinal cord or spinal nerves and cause compression. This results in numbness, weakness, pain, and in worst cases bowel or bladder problems. Thus, early treatment of spinal stenosis is important to identify the cause and prevent serious complications. Most cases of spinal stenosis are treated conservatively, but more invasive procedures may be necessary in severe cases.
Medications
A doctor may prescribe one or more types of medications to treat symptoms associated with spinal stenosis. According to the Mayo Clinic, antidepressants, such as amitriptyline and nortriptyline may help ease pain caused by spinal stenosis. These medications alter chemical signals in the nerves that are related to pain.
Anti-seizure drugs may also be prescribed, such as gabapentin and pregabalin, according to the Mayo Clinic. These medications also reduce chemical signals related to pain in the compressed nerves in the spine.
In severe cases, opiods may be prescribed to treat symptoms related to spinal stenosis. These medications include oxycodone and hydrocodone, which are strong medications that can be addictive. Therefore, a patient must take these medications only as needed for pain.
Physical Therapy
A doctor may prescribe physical therapy to build up strength, flexibility and muscle endurance in the back, the Mayo Clinic notes. Strengthening and stretching the muscles in the back can relieve pressure off the spinal nerves and reduce symptoms of spinal stenosis. The patient must strictly adhere to the recommended exercise program to get the most benefit from physical therapy.
Steroid Injections
An injection of corticosteroid into the spinal column can reduce pain and inflammation in the lumbar spine and along the spinal nerves, states the Mayo Clinic. A doctor may inject corticosteroid medication into the lumbar region of the back under live X-ray. This procedure may or may not work, depending on how the patient responds to corticosteroids. Although the risks of this procedure are minimal, infection, nerve damage and blood clots are possible complications of this procedure.
