The symptoms of spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal canal, vary according to the location. When the vertebrae in the lower back or lumbar region press on nearby nerves, the patient may have pain, numbness or weakness in the legs, buttocks or calves, according to Dr. Stephen R. Garfin in a March 26, 2010, report published on Spine Universe. Cervical stenosis, involving the neck region, may cause similar symptoms in the shoulders, arms and legs. Severe cases may require surgical intervention to relieve pressure on the nerves.
Step 1
Take medication to relieve neck or back pain and reduce swelling around the nerve. Over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs--NSAIDs--may be helpful. Your health care provider may prescribe an antidepressant such as amitriptyline or nortriptyline or an anti-seizure drug such as gabapentin or pregabalin if over-the-counter medications are not effective, MayoClinic.com notes. Narcotics such as drugs such as oxycodone and hydrocodone can be addictive, so are usually prescribed for short-term use. Your health care provider may decide to inject corticosteroids near the nerves to reduce pain and inflammation, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
Step 2
Apply heat packs or ice packs to the painful area several times a day. If you prefer, alternate heat with cold applications.
Step 3
Lose weight. Excess weight will aggravate your symptoms so eat a healthy, balanced diet and exercise regularly.
Step 4
Protect your spine from additional injury. If you have lumbar stenosis, a cane or walker can help you to avoid falling while allowing you to lean forward in a more comfortable position. Use good body mechanics when lifting, avoiding standing or sitting in one position too long and avoid bending at the waist or leaning forward, the Cleveland Clinic advises.
Step 5
Rest or reduce your activity during flare-ups if necessary. A physical therapist can teach you exercises to help strengthen your muscles and improve flexibility without aggravating the pain.
Step 6
Visit a massage therapist, chiropractor or acupuncturist to manage your pain. Chiropractic manipulation is safe for patients with spinal stenosis, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. However, if the patient has osteoporosis--weak, brittle bones--or a herniated disk in addition to spinal stenosis, those conditions could be aggravated by manipulation. Acupuncture can be safe, but the long-term effectiveness remains to be proven. Massage is safe and can help manage symptoms. Traction, a system of weights and pulleys that pulls the vertebrae apart slightly, may help some patients, notes AAOS.
Step 7
Monitor your mood. Patients with chronic or long-term back pain may become depressed, so maintain good relationships with your support system and ask for help if you have difficulty dealing with your pain, the Cleveland Clinic advises.
Step 8
Explore mind-body practices to manage your pain. Yoga, biofeedback, meditation and self-hypnosis may be helpful in reducing stress and relieving pain.
Step 9
Choose a firm mattress or place a board between the mattress and box springs. Sleep on your side with your knees bent or on your back with a lumbar roll under your knees.
Step 10
Consider surgical intervention if your back pain continues after medication, exercise and rest. Your surgeon may perform a decompression procedure that reduces pressure on the nerve by enlarging the space around it and, if the spine is unstable, a spinal fusion as well. Eighty percent of patients who have a decompression procedure experience good to excellent results, although some may continue to have back pain afterward, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Symptoms tend to recur after five years, however.
Things You'll Need
- Heat packs
- Ice packs
- Medication
