1-

• Contact Laser Spine Institute
• Request MRI Review
• Medical Spine Seminar

You are here

• Home
• »
• Spine Conditions
• »
• Treatment for Spinal Narrowing
• »
• Treatment for Spinal Narrowing
• »
• Medication

Taking Medication for Spinal Narrowing

Medication for spinal narrowing, also referred to as spinal stenosis, is available. However, because stenosis most often occurs as a result of degeneration that accompanies the natural aging process, it cannot be “cured,” though certain conditions, like a herniated disc, may heal over time. There are a variety of conservative treatments, including medication, to help you manage your symptoms. As a last resort, surgical alternatives are also available in the event that your stenosis becomes severe.

Types of Medication

The pain of spinal narrowing, often caused by bone spurs, bulging discs, herniated discs, spondylolisthesis, or arthritis of the spine, occurs when spinal nerves or the spinal cord itself become compressed. The following medications may help you manage the painful symptoms of tingling, burning, numbness, or weakness that can present in your back, neck, or extremities:

• Analgesics – any drug used as a painkiller; common oral analgesics include acetaminophen and aspirin.
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs – a type of analgesic that blocks certain enzymes in the body that contribute to swelling; ibuprofen is an example of an NSAID.
• Oral steroids – a very powerful, non-narcotic anti-inflammatory medication that should only be prescribed for short periods of time; examples include prednisone and dexamethasone.
• Epidural steroid injections – the steroid cortisone is often injected into the epidural space surrounding the spine to temporarily reduce inflammation and pain associated with neural compression.

Click Here to see how you can get your life back in 5 days

Integrating Additional Treatment Methods

If your doctor has confirmed a diagnosis of spinal stenosis and has recommended that you take over-the-counter or prescription medication for spinal narrowing, you may also want to inquire about additional treatment methods. These could include behavior modification, low-impact exercise, acupuncture, or TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation), among others.

If weeks or months of conservative treatments do not help your back or neck pain to abate, your doctor may suggest that you consider spine surgery for spinal narrowing. If this is the case, contact Laser Spine Institute. We specialize in a variety of minimally invasive, outpatient procedures that offer a welcome alternative to the risks and lengthy recuperation of an open spine surgery. Contact us to receive a complimentary review of your MRI or CT scan, or to learn more about our state-of-the-art endoscopic techniques.

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