Have You Been Diagnosed with Spinal Narrowing?
For patients with mild to moderate spinal narrowing, treatment options can include medications, exercise, and alternative therapies. However, patients with more advanced spinal narrowing may eventually consider surgery, but surgical procedures are not always necessary, and patients are typically explore conservative treatments first.
Pain and other symptoms like tingling, numbness, and muscle weakness that are caused by spinal narrowing and nerve compression can be extremely difficult to live with. The discomfort and loss of mobility affect every part of life, from work, family time, or even just being able to take the dog for a walk. In many cases, however, conservative options can bring the relief necessary for a return to normal, everyday activities.
Conservative Treatment Options
Most spinal narrowing treatments can help relieve any pain and discomfort associated with nerve root compression. These initial therapies can keep symptoms under control and enable the strengthening necessary to return to a normal lifestyle. These therapies include:
- Medications, including NSAIDs, prescription painkillers, and prescription anti-inflammatory medications
- Epidural steroid injections
- Low-impact exercise including stretching, yoga, walking, and swimming, as directed by a physical therapist
- Therapeutic massage
- Acupuncture
- Heat therapy, ice therapy, or a combination of both
- Rest
You should attempt conservative treatment for a number of weeks or months to make sure you explore all options. In some situations, lasting relief comes from finding the right combination of effective conservative treatments.
Surgery with BEST Health System
If conservative methods don’t provide enough relief, patients may eventually explore surgery. Depending on a patient’s condition and perferences, they may be a candidate for minimally invasive surgery. At BEST Health System, we are setting the new industry standard for minimally invasive surgery. Most of our procedures use a less-than-one-inch incision. This allows the patient to experience less pain and scarring, all on an outpatient basis. Our board-certified surgeons aim to help patients find the least invasive, most effective treatment option.
Contact BEST to learn more about spinal narrowing treatment with our team.
