6 Treatment and Management Options for Lumbar Stenosis

/in , , /by

It’s been said that getting old isn’t for the faint of heart. At Texas Pain Physicians, we think getting old can be for the young at heart – when you aren’t in pain.

It’s true, degenerative conditions cause chronic pain and keep you from living life on your terms.

Lumbar Stenosis

Lumbar or lower back spinal stenosis, a common degenerative condition causing chronic pain, happens when the spinal canal in your lower back narrows, causing bone spurs and herniated discs that put pressure on the nerves.

Lumbar spinal stenosis can cause burning, pins and needles, pain, numbness, cramping, weakness, and other symptoms.

Treatment and Management 

But you have multiple treatment and management options.

Let’s look at six ways to treat and manage lumbar spinal stenosis.

1. Over-the-Counter Medication

Anti-inflammatory over-the-counter medicines such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB), acetaminophen (Tylenol), and naproxen (Aleve) can stop pain from spinal stenosis for a few hours.

Please be sure to consult with your doctor and use as directed.

2. Prescription Medication

Doctors often use tricyclic Antidepressants such as amitriptyline and Nortriptyline and anti-seizure drugs like Neurontin and Lyrica to treat chronic pain caused by nerve damage.

3. Steroid Injections

Epidural steroid injections into the affected area can help decrease the pain and inflammation caused by nerve damage.

But this treatment should be used as little as possible because repeated steroid injections are known to weaken nearby bones and connective tissue.

4. Physical therapy

Sometimes it seems impossible to start getting active. To begin stretching and exercising when you are in pain.

But it’s critical to try because being inactive can lead to muscle weakness and increased pain.

A physical therapist can help you perform exercises that strengthen your lower back and increase your spine’s flexibility and stability.

5. Daily Activity Modification

An occupational therapist can help you modify your posture and safely perform actions like sitting and bending over to avoid worsening your pain or hurting yourself.

Here are a few things you can do on your own if you can’t see a therapist or have to wait to see one:

  • Use walking support: Walking while bent over and leaning on a walker or shopping cart instead of walking upright
  • Get on a stationary bike: Stationary biking is a low-impact exercise, and you can lean forward on the handlebars for support.
  • Sit in the right chair: Sit in a chair with a backrest that reclines that you can stretch and rest your spine.

6. Wear A Neck or Back Brace

Wearing a neck brace or back brace restricts the spine’s movement, which helps avoid pain.

But if you wear a brace, try to limit it to short periods so that the muscles get enough stimulation and stay strong.

Spinal Stenosis Treatment and Management You Can Count On

Do you have spinal stenosis or suffer from lower back pain? The pain specialists at Texas Pain Physicians can help you get back on your feet and grab life by the horns again.

Please give us a call at (972) 636-5727 or book your appointment online today. We have 16 convenient locations in and around Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, and Irving.