1. Get a Diagnosis
When you experience leg pain or have trouble walking, the culprit might be spinal stenosis. More than a million people in the U.S. suffer from spinal stenosis, a condition that results from a narrowing vertebral canal that compresses nerves. The two most common locations for spinal stenosis are in the cervical and lumbar areas of the spine. People over 50 are more susceptible to spinal stenosis due to years of daily wear and tear. Soon after diagnosis, a doctor can provide treatment options, which fall under conservative or non-conservative (surgical) treatment. Patients can choose a variety of therapies for spinal stenosis treatment.
2. Adjust Activity Level
Rest is often the first recommendation. After that, avoid exercises that increase back or leg pain. Instead, work with a physical therapist to design an exercise program that stabilizes the spine and enhances flexibility without increasing your pain. As non-weight bearing exercises, swimming or aquatic classes are options, but ask a doctor or physical therapist first. People with spinal stenosis often experience difficulty standing upright, so leaning forward when walking or bicycling can be easier on the spine. Invest in a recliner to take the place of that straight back chair in your living room.
3. Find Short Term Relief With Back Pain Treatment
The first step in pain relief is anti-inflammatory medication, such as ibuprofen, aspirin or naproxen sodium (such as you'll find in Alleve). Some patients experience short-term relief with an injection of a local anesthetic block. A series of epidural steroids injected into the spine reduce the pain for about 50% of the patients who try this method of pain relief. The steroid cortisone is another typical option.
4. Use Extra Spinal Support
A lumbar support brace, also known as a corset, can stabilize a patient's spine to increase mobility. The brace reinforces weak areas in the spine and abdomen, which can reduce pain. This is particularly helpful if the person with spinal stenosis can't exercise. Over the years, back braces have gradually grown lighter and less bulky, but still provide enough support to the spine that patients feel immediate relief. Most people need assistance when they put on or take off the brace.
5. Weigh Your Options
Lumbar spinal stenosis symptoms are classified as mild, moderate or severe. Severe spinal stenosis affects your mobility and can lead to loss of bladder control. You also may experience numbness and weakness in your legs. Physicians look at your health history and assess your symptoms before recommending surgery. Decompression of the spine is a common surgery in spinal stenosis cases. When spinal stenosis affects your quality of life, surgery can be the best option.
