Do you or someone you love has lower back pain? Lumbar stenosis is a condition that narrows the spinal canal, causing serious discomfort. Living with this condition can be challenging. However, surgery is not the only answer. Non-surgical treatment for lumbar stenosis can help manage pain and improve your quality of life.
Let’s talk about some of the best non-surgical options for lumbar stenosis.
What is Lumbar Stenosis?
Lumbar stenosis is a condition that affects the lower part of your spine, narrowing the spinal canal that houses the spinal cord and nerves. This narrowing puts pressure on the nerves in your lower back, resulting in pain, numbness, or weakness in your legs.
This condition happens because of aging. As you get older, the bones and tissues in your spine may thicken or grow larger. This leads to the narrowing.
Other causes include:
- Arthritis
- Herniated discs
- Injuries to the spine
1. Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is a specialized program. Orthopedic doctors design exercises to make your back feel better.
Exercises
An orthopedic doctor will show you stretches and exercises. These exercises target your lower back muscles. They help your muscles get stronger and more flexible, which can help ease your pain. Imagine them as stretches that reach high and low. The leg lifts make your legs feel strong. Walks on the treadmill keep you moving safely.
The orthopedic doctor will even teach you how to do these exercises by yourself at home. You can keep your back feeling great all the time.
Manual Therapy
Manual therapy is a gentle hands-on approach. The back doctor uses their hands to move the joints in the lower back. They massage the surrounding muscles. This technique helps your back move more. It can even decrease the pain you might be feeling.
Think of it like loosening up tight muscles. With manual therapy, you can bend and reach without any pain.
2. Medications
Your doctor may recommend pain relievers. They can be a part of your treatment for lumbar stenosis.
Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
For mild to moderate pain, OTC medications can be effective.
These medicines help reduce inflammation and relieve pain. You can find them at most drugstores.
It is important to follow the instructions on the label. Make sure not to take more than the recommended dose.
Prescription Medications
In more severe cases, doctors may prescribe stronger medications. These could include muscle relaxants to ease muscle spasms. It can also involve nerve pain medications to target specific types of pain.
Prescription medications are usually stronger than over-the-counter options. They can also have more side effects.
Always take them exactly as your doctor advises.
3. Steroid Injections
Steroid injections are another option for relieving pain.
An epidural steroid injection delivers medication directly to the affected area. This reduces inflammation and provides pain relief for several months.
The procedure involves inserting a needle into the space around your spinal cord.
Most people feel some relief within a few days of the injection. However, the effects are temporary. You may also need additional injections over time.
4. Lifestyle Changes
Positive changes to your lifestyle can also help you manage pain from lumbar stenosis. These include:
Weight Management
Maintaining a healthy weight can ease the strain on your lower back.
Carrying extra weight puts more pressure on your spine, which can worsen lumbar stenosis symptoms.
Losing even a small amount of weight can lessen pain and improve mobility.
Eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly can help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
Activity Modification
Changing how you perform daily activities can also help. Simple changes, like avoiding heavy lifting or prolonged standing, can make a big difference.
For example, instead of bending from the waist to pick something up, try bending your knees and keeping your back straight.
Using ergonomic chairs and cushions can also support your back and reduce pain.
When to Visit a Back Pain Doctor for Lumbar Stenosis
It is important to know when to see a doctor for your back pain.
Consider visiting a back pain doctor for treatment for lumbar stenosis if:
- Your pain is intense and does not improve with over-the-counter medications or home treatments.
- You feel numbness, tingling, or weakness in your legs or feet, which could indicate serious nerve issues.
- You suddenly cannot control your bladder or bowels.
- Walking becomes difficult, or you may find yourself stumbling often.
Early intervention can help manage symptoms and prevent the condition from worsening. Your doctor can recommend the best treatment for lumbar stenosis to help you feel better.
Personalized Treatment for Lumbar Stenosis in Rochester Hills, MI
If you are looking for personalized treatment for lumbar stenosis, you can rely on Ahlgren Spine. Our very own board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Bradley Ahlgren, will ensure you receive the care you need. Dr. Ahlgren will create a treatment plan tailored to your needs, including individualized recommendations on nutrition and other advanced pain-relieving techniques.
For more information or to schedule a consultation with our provider, call us today at (248) 215-8080 or use our appointment request form.
Let us help you live a pain-free life. We look forward to serving you!
