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Canal Stenosis Treatment

Canal stenosis treatment only becomes necessary if the narrowing of the spinal canal (spinal stenosis) begins to interfere with neural activity. This happens when a related anatomical abnormality – such as a herniated disc or bone spur – pinches a nerve root or presses on the spinal cord itself. If this happens, symptoms such as pain, tingling, numbness or muscle weakness can arise. These symptoms can be mild, at first, but can become progressively worse over time if left untreated.

Conservative Canal Stenosis Treatment

More often than not, the symptoms associated with spinal canal stenosis can be managed effectively using conservative treatment. These methods of treatment include:

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin, naproxen, ibuprofen, or indomethacin, to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
• Analgesics, such as acetaminophen, to relieve pain.
• Corticosteroid injections into the outermost of the membranes covering the spinal cord and nerve roots to reduce inflammation and treat acute pain that radiates to the hips or down a leg.
• Anesthetic injections, known as nerve blocks, near the affected nerve to temporarily relieve pain.
• Restricted activity (varies depending on extent of nerve involvement).
• Prescribed exercises and/or physical therapy to maintain motion of the spine, strengthen abdominal and back muscles, and build endurance, all of which help stabilize the spine. Some patients may be encouraged to try slowly progressive aerobic activity such as swimming or using exercise bicycles.
• For lumbar spinal stenosis, a lumbar brace or corset is used to provide some support and help the patient regain mobility. This approach is sometimes used for patients with weak abdominal muscles or older patients with degeneration at several levels of the spine.

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If Conservative Canal Stenosis Treatment is Not Enough

If chronic symptoms of central canal stenosis persist after several weeks or months of conservative treatment, a doctor might suggest surgery as an option. If so, contact Laser Spine Institute to learn how a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure performed using revolutionary, endoscopic technology may be able to help you rediscover your life without back and neck pain.

Please note: Laser Spine Institute currently does not perform endoscopic procedures on the thoracic spine.