Patients should receive no more than three injections per year.Īcupuncture. They also reduce numbness, but not weakness, in the legs. Cortisone injections around the nerves or in the "epidural space" can decrease swelling, as well as pain. Cortisone is a powerful anti-inflammatory drug. Steroid injections, also known as epidural steroid injections. If you develop acid reflux or stomach pains while taking an anti-inflammatory, be sure to talk with your doctor. They can lead to gastritis, stomach ulcers, and kidney problems. Whether over-the-counter or prescription strength, these medicines must be used carefully. Most people are familiar with nonprescription NSAIDs, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen. When used over the course of 5 to 10 days, they can also have an additional anti-inflammatory effect. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) initially provide pain relief. Because stenosis pain is caused by pressure on a spinal nerve, reducing inflammation (swelling) around the nerve may relieve pain. There is no scientific evidence of its effectiveness.Īnti-inflammatory medications. Although it may be helpful in some patients, traction offers very limited results. Stretching exercises, massage, and lumbar and abdominal strengthening often help manage symptoms. Although nonsurgical methods do not improve the narrowing of the spinal canal, many people report that these treatments do help relieve symptoms. Nonsurgical treatment options focus on restoring function and relieving pain. It can help your doctor determine whether the nerves are being compressed. In this procedure, dye is injected into the spine to make the nerves show up more clearly. Computed tomography (CT) scans can create cross-section images of your spine and show the bony structures better than X-rays. An MRI can create better images than an X-ray of soft tissues, such as muscles, disks, nerves, and the spinal cord.Īdditional tests. X-rays can also show when there is too much mobility in your spine. X-rays taken while you lean forward and backward can show instability in your joints. They will show aging-related changes, like loss of disk height or bone spurs. Although they only visualize bones, X-rays can help determine if you have spinal stenosis. Other tests which may help your doctor confirm your diagnosis include: Your doctor may have you bend forward, backward, and side-to-side to look for limitations or pain. This will include looking at your back and pushing on different areas to see if it hurts. Walking more than 1 or 2 blocks, however, may bring on severe sciatica or weakness.Īfter discussing your symptoms and medical history, your doctor will examine your back. Some people note that they can ride a stationary bike or walk leaning on a shopping cart. Pain is usually made worse by standing up straight and walking. Studies of the lumbar spine show that leaning forward can increase the space available for the nerves. In spinal stenosis, people typically experience less pain with leaning forward, and especially with sitting. If these symptoms occur, you may need emergency surgery. You may also lose strength in your legs and not be able to walk. If the compression of the nerves is severe, you can experience numbness in you private area and lose control of your bowel and/or bladder. This rare condition is considered a medical emergency that requires prompt treatment. Some patients will have a foot drop, or the feeling that their foot slaps on the ground while walking. Once the pressure reaches a critical level, weakness can occur in one or both legs.
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