How To Treat Spinal Stenosis

Your spine narrows in several areas, putting stress on your spine cord.Nerve pain and weakness can be caused by this.This condition can be developed due to wear and tear.You can make lifestyle changes to treat the disease.Physical therapy is one of the things you can do.If you are in chronic pain and have a severe condition, you may need to have surgery.

Step 1: Back stretches keep your back flexible.

Pull your knees to your chest while lying down.It's a good idea to feel a stretch in your back.If you want to slowly release your knees, you should stay in this position for 30 seconds.This stretch can be done 3-6 times a day.Place yourself on your hands and knees for a second stretch.Slowly sit back on your heels with your toes flat on the ground.Put your arms out in front of you.Keeping your arms outstretched, lower your chest to the ground.Hold this stretch for 30 seconds.This stretch is done 3-6 times a day.

Step 2: Abdominal exercises strengthen your core.

Press your lower back into the ground.Pull your belly button inward as you squeeze your lower abdominal muscles.Stay in this position for a while.Do at least eight reps of this exercise each day.Your core supports your back.Curl-ups are where you place your arms across your chest while lying on your back.As you raise your head and shoulders from the floor, flatten your lower back against the ground.As you do this, keep your abdominal muscles tight.Stay in this position for a short time and then go back down.Try to do two sets of 10 curl-ups a day.

Step 3: You can use a stationary bike to work out.

For 30 minutes a day, ride a stationary bike.If you want to reduce the pain in your spine and back, light exercise on a bike is a good way to do it.Do not engage in vigorous activity like running, jogging, or sprinting.These exercises can put too much stress on your spine.

Step 4: You can go swimming for low contact exercise.

Swimming and water aerobics are good ways to exercise without putting stress on your joints.You can sign up for a water aerobics class or do laps in a pool.

Step 5: Tai Chi can be used to strengthen your back muscles.

Tai Chi uses slow, controlled movements to increase blood flow to your muscles.It doesn't put impact on your bones and is a good option for spine issues.There are Tai Chi classes at your local gym.Tai Chi can be done at home using online videos and instructions.

Step 6: A personal trainer can help you at the gym.

A custom exercise plan can be created with the help of a trainer.The trainer can show you exercises that won't hurt your spine.A personal trainer with experience working with people with spine conditions is a must.

Step 7: It's a good idea to put a hot compress on your back.

Wrap the hot pack, or hot water bottle, in a towel before putting it on.The hot pack should be applied for 10 minutes at a time.

Step 8: You should apply a cold pack to your back.

If you start to feel unwell in your back and spine, you can use a cold pack.Wrap a bag of frozen peas or a cold pack in a towel.For 10 minutes at a time, apply it to your back.If you want to ease the pain, try alternating between a hot compress and a cold pack.Leave them on for 10 minutes at a time.

Step 9: Use a cane or walker to get around.

You may be more comfortable walking with your body flexed forward due to your spine condition.Stand and walk with a cane to reduce stress on your spine.You can buy a walker or cane at your local medical supply store.

Step 10: You should get a back brace.

You can get a back brace to support your spine.Talk to your doctor about this option.You can get a custom back brace through your local medical supply store or online.

Step 11: There is support for the back of the chair.

Recliner chairs have back support.Straight back chairs can make your condition worse.You can swap out your chairs at home or at work to make them more comfortable.

Step 12: Maintaining stability in your spine can be accomplished with physical therapy.

The physical therapist can show you exercises to strengthen your spine.As your condition progresses, they can show you how to improve your balance.A physical therapist with experience in spine conditions is a good choice.Ask your doctor to give you a recommendation for a physical therapist.If you want to see improvements, you will need to go to regular physical therapy sessions.Depending on the provider, your insurance may cover this service.

Step 13: It's a good idea to go to an acupuncturist.

Due to your condition, acupuncture can help to relieve pain.Your primary care doctor can help you find a good acupuncturist.You can check out reviews of the acupuncturist online.They should have worked with patients with spine issues before.The cost for sessions can range from $45 to $100.You might need to book several sessions to see the results.Health insurance companies will cover the cost of an acupuncturist.Contact your insurer for more information.

Step 14: It's a good idea to get a deep tissue massage.

There is a massage therapist who is skilled in treating patients with spine conditions.Ask your doctor to refer you to a massage therapist.Pain can be alleviated with a deep tissue massage on the lower back and legs.You should see your massage therapist at least once a month to deal with the pain.It's a good idea to schedule monthly massages so your spine doesn't get tense.Depending on your provider, your massage sessions may be covered by your health insurance.Inquire about more information from your provider.

Step 15: Ask your doctor if you need pain medication.

It is possible for your doctor to prescribe medication for short-term pain relief.Opioids can be addicting, so do not use them long-term.Follow your doctor's instructions and never take more than the recommended amount.Your doctor can tell you how long it will take to treat your condition.Depending on how you are feeling, they may gradually reduce your dosage.Anti-inflammatories can help with pain.Discuss your condition with your doctor.Some people are not a good candidate for pain medication due to certain risk factors.

Step 16: Get a steroid injection.

Steroids can be given to your doctor to help reduce swelling and irritation.There are spots on your spine that are being pinched.These injections can be done in your doctor's office.Steroids can weaken your bones.They should only be given a few times a year.

Step 17: Discuss anti-seizure and antidepressants with your doctor.

Amitriptyline can be used to treat chronic pain caused by your spine condition.Anti-seizure drugs like gabapentin and pregabalin may be prescribed by your doctor.Dosage should always be followed by your doctor.Don't go over the recommended amount.If you want to manage your pain, you should only use this medication as a short-term solution.Your doctor will tell you how long you can keep taking these medications.

Step 18: A surgeon with experience in spine surgery is a must.

If other options are not working or your condition is getting worse, you should have surgery.Ask your doctor if they recommend a surgeon.You should have a consultation with the surgeon before the surgery to be aware of your options.You should be able to trust the surgeon and their team.A skilled, experienced surgeon performs the majority of spine surgeries.It is advisable to consult with several different surgeons to find the right one for you.

Step 19: There are risks of surgery.

It's possible that you're at risk for infections or a tear in the spine.You are at risk of having a blood clot in your leg.Before you agree to surgery, your surgeon should tell you about the risks.In most cases, surgery can help to make your life easier.

Step 20: The pressure on your spine can be alleviated with a laminotomy.

There is a back area in your spine that needs to be removed.A laminotomy carves a hole large enough to relieve pressure on the affected area.The operations will make your nerves less stressed.These surgeries will take a lot of time to recover from.

Step 21: If your spine is not stable, consider a spine fusion.

A fusion of the spine is the most risky option.A metal rod is placed in a section of your spine during this procedure.If your spine is degenerating, this surgery is usually done.This surgery is very dangerous.Physical therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes are required to recover properly.

Step 22: Recover for several months to a year after surgery.

You will need to spend most of your time sitting or lying down if you want to avoid lifting anything heavier than 8 pounds.As you recover, you will need help cooking, cleaning and going to the bathroom.Pain medication and other options will be given to you by your doctor.You will need to have the surgical site cleaned and inspected daily as you recover.It can take at least 6 months to 1 year to recover from spine fusion surgery.If you have a less-invagant surgery, your recovery time may be shorter.