As a precaution, it is essential for patients to make sure their physician and pharmacist are aware of all their medications and medication allergies. When taking any medication, whether it is over-the-counter or prescription, read and follow the warning label carefully.
Using x-ray guidance fluoroscopy and contrast dye, a needle is carefully placed into the spinal canal so a corticosteroid can be injected into the epidural space.
While the pain relief provided by an epidural steroid injection is usually temporary, it may provide a window of opportunity to continue with exercises and stretches as part of a physical therapy program. Epidural injections do not always provide relief, and there have been rare cases of serious side effects. It is important to discuss the potential risks and benefits of epidural injections with a medical professional.
Spinal stenosis typically responds well to nonsurgical treatments. For others, signs and symptoms may become disabling and surgery may need to be considered.
Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Treatment. Sciatica Exercises for Spinal Stenosis Video. Pain Management of Lumbar Stenosis. If you have any of these symptoms, you need to get medical attention right away:.
To diagnose lumbar spinal stenosis, your healthcare provider will ask you questions about your symptoms and do a complete physical exam. During the physical exam your healthcare provider will look for signs of spinal stenosis, such as loss of sensation, weakness, and abnormal reflexes.
If you have lumbar spinal stenosis, many types of healthcare professionals can help you, such as arthritis specialists, nerve specialists, surgeons, and physical therapists. Treatment can include physical therapy, medicine, and sometimes surgery.
Except in emergencies, such as cauda equina syndrome, surgery is usually the last resort. But you may be able to lower your risk. Here are some ways to keep your spine healthy:. The best way to manage lumbar spinal stenosis is to learn as much as you can about your disease, work closely with your medical team, and take an active role in your treatment.
Keep your lower back as healthy as possible by maintaining a healthy weight, practicing good body mechanics, and getting regular exercise. Simple home remedies like an ice bag, heating pad, massage, or a long, hot shower can help. The nutritional supplements glucosamine and chondroitin have been recommended as nutritional supplements for osteoarthritis, but recent studies have been disappointing.
Lumbar spinal stenosis can cause cauda equine syndrome, which needs medical attention right away. Call your healthcare provider if you have:. Health Home Conditions and Diseases. What causes lumbar spinal stenosis? Besides osteoarthritis, other conditions or circumstances can cause spinal stenosis: Narrow spinal canal Injury to the spine Spinal tumor Certain bone diseases Past surgery of the spine Rheumatoid arthritis What are the symptoms of lumbar spinal stenosis?
Symptoms may include: Pain in the back Burning pain going into the buttocks and down into the legs sciatica Numbness, tingling, cramping, or weakness in the legs Loss of sensation in the feet A weakness in a foot that causes the foot to slap down when walking "foot drop" Loss of sexual ability Pressure on nerves in the lumbar region can also cause more serious symptoms known as cauda equine syndrome.
If you have any of these symptoms, you need to get medical attention right away: Loss of bowel or bladder control Severe or increasing numbness between your legs, inner thighs, and back of the legs Severe pain and weakness that spreads into one or both legs.
This makes it hard to walk or get out of a chair How is lumbar spinal stenosis diagnosed? These tests help make a diagnosis: X-rays of your lumbar spine. Imaging tests. Other studies. Your healthcare provider might order a bone scan, myelogram a CT taken after injecting dye , and EMG an electrical test of muscle activity.
How is lumbar spinal stenosis treated? This can result in an overgrowth of bone bone spurs that intrudes into spinal cord space. Other causes of spinal stenosis include herniated disks , thickened ligaments, and abnormal growths.
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons , it usually occurs in people over 60 years old. After a physical examination, your doctor will likely want to order some tests to determine the cause of your symptoms. There is no cure for spinal stenosis, but there are treatments to help relieve symptoms. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications can ease swelling and pain. Your doctor may also recommend cortisone injections.
This anti-inflammatory drug is injected directly into the area of the spinal stenosis. Cortisone can significantly ease inflammation and pain. Try to perform some stretching exercises several times a day. Ideally, you should exercise for 30 minutes at least three times a week.
If exercise is particularly difficult, try exercising in a pool. The buoyancy of the water makes it easier to move and get full range of motion. Regular exercise can help improve flexibility and balance, enabling you to move better. Not only is it good for your physical health, but it can also improve your sense of well-being.
Your doctor or physical therapist can recommend exercises specifically designed to strengthen your back and abdominal muscles. They can also instruct you on how to do them safely.
If your condition is severe, you may need a back brace for extra support. Besides regular movement, massage therapy may help loosen up your back muscles and provide overall relaxation. In this technique, your surgeon makes an incision to access your spine. Then, bone spurs, ligaments, or anything else pushing on the nerves are trimmed or removed.
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