3 Nonsurgical Options For Spinal Stenosis Treatment in Bergen County

With Surgery As Your Last Resort, Don’t Wait To Treat Your Spinal Stenosis!

Receiving a diagnosis of spinal stenosis can leave you feeling overwhelmed and concerned, especially if you are unfamiliar with the condition and its treatment. The relief of being able to now name the pain you feel is often canceled out by general uncertainty and the thought of a lengthy treatment process. Fortunately, the physicians at Rothman Orthopaedic Institute are here to provide you with all of the information needed to ease your nerves and receive the best spinal stenosis treatment in Bergen County.

What Is Spinal Stenosis?

Spinal stenosis occurs when the spinal canal narrows and compresses the spinal cord or nerves in the canal. The resulting pain is not only in the immediately surrounding area; it can also occur in the buttocks and legs. This, in turn, makes physical activity more difficult and painful.  Many patients with spinal stenosis have difficulty maintaining an active lifestyle because they experience discomfort with walking and standing.

There are two kinds of spinal stenosis, each with its own set of symptoms: lumbar and cervical. Lumbar spinal stenosis is found in the lower part of the spinal column and can create numbness, tingling, and fatigue in the legs. Cervical spinal stenosis is located higher on the spinal column and is accompanied by pain in the shoulders, arms, and hands. Both sets of symptoms can worsen when standing or walking, and a lack of balance is not uncommon.

What Causes Spinal Stenosis?

One of the most common causes of spinal stenosis is arthritis. Older adults typically have this type of spinal stenosis, because when the discs in their spine age, they lose water and have a greater tendency to collapse. This collapse puts pressure on the facet joints, which causes them to wear down. The degeneration of the facet joints over time may cause the nerves in the spinal canal to compress.

What Are My Options for Spinal Stenosis Treatment in Bergen County?

If you live in Bergen County, Rothman Orthopaedic Institute is available to provide you with the best spinal stenosis treatment plan possible. While surgery is aimed at widening the spinal canal and relieving pain, this is a last resort. Below are three nonsurgical options to consider and discuss with your doctor before surgical options are discussed.

• Medications. Anti-inflammatory medications can reduce the swelling on the spinal nerve and therefore relieve pain. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) are also used for pain, typically during a five-to-ten-day period. However, your doctor may have different recommendations for what to take, so discuss with her or him what the best medications are for you.

• Exercise. Generally speaking, back pain worsens due to a weakening of the trunk muscles that help to support the spine and actively cushion the spine from impacts. The best way to strengthen the spine is to find an exercise routine and stick to it. Your exercise may be guided by a physical therapist, or you may do your own research on spinal stenosis exercises. Some therapeutic exercises include yoga and tai chi. An imperative element to your exercise routine is to not aggravate your spine more in the process. Talk to your physician about spinal stenosis exercises and the possibility of seeing a physical therapist.

• Reparative therapies. Besides physical therapy, there are other methods of improving your back’s flexibility and alleviating some of the pain. For example, chiropractic manipulation and massage therapy can also soothe the affected area of your spine. However, be sure to let these specialists know of any other back conditions you may have before applying treatment. These reparative therapies certainly shouldn’t make you feel worse, so make sure everyone working with you knows everything about the state of your spine.

We understand how distressing this diagnosis can be and the many questions and concerns you likely have. Knowing your options before choosing surgery is essential to an effective recovery. The specialists at Rothman Orthopaedic Institute will help you determine which options are right for you for spinal stenosis treatment in Bergen County. For more information on spinal stenosis and to learn more about how to keep your spine healthy, visit us here or contact us at 1-800-321-9999.