Spinal stenosis occurs when the spinal column constricts and exerts pressure on nerve fibers. The condition often triggers excruciating back pain, especially for geriatric patients. Scientific innovations have produced minimally invasive strategies for Roswell spinal stenosis. Explore the potential therapies for spinal stenosis and their efficacy for managing symptoms.
Treatment for spinal stenosis
Spinal stenosis can cause intense pain that interferes with daily activities. The condition is categorized according to the portion of the spine it affects. Lumbar stenosis is the most prevalent among older adults affecting 11% of seniors in the US.
Most interventions tend to avoid surgical procedures unless they are necessary. Most older patients do not respond well to surgery like younger adults.
Therefore, most spinal stenosis treatments may involve conservative strategies. Oral medications and injections are primarily for pain relief.
Other effective interventions for spinal stenosis may include:
Physiotherapy exercise and guidance
Research indicates stretching and strength training exercises can manage pain and restore function. Exercise can promote nerve regeneration and restore muscular tissue function.
Your physiotherapist will develop an exercise regimen that complements your diagnosis. The approach may involve patient education to guide you on activities that may alleviate or worsen the pain. Posture correction can reduce the pressure causing pain in your back.
Non-surgical spinal decompression
Non-surgical spinal decompression employs motorized devices to relieve the pressure on your nerves. The traction machine gradually stretches your body, creating negative pressure on spinal discs. The system uses computerized controls to ensure accuracy and minimize errors that may cause side effects.
Spinal decompression may require multiple sessions, each lasting approximately half an hour. It is effective for addressing numbness and tingling in your limbs. It can also treat bulging discs and defective spinal nerve fibers.
The procedure is not suitable for people with a fracture on the spine. Your provider may also recommend alternatives if you have a tumor or metal implant in the spinal column.
Laminectomy to remove a vertebra
Laminectomy refers to lamina extraction to address symptoms of spinal stenosis. Removing the bone at the rear of the spinal column creates space to enable soft tissue to expand. It relieves the pressure arising from bone spurs within the vertebral structure.
The laminectomy process can treat severe cases of spinal stenosis by reducing the pressure in the spinal column. It is ideal for cases of spinal stenosis with symptoms like numbness and radiating pain.
The procedure alone cannot reverse arthritis symptoms. But your provider may recommend laminectomy if your condition does not respond to medication or physical therapy.
The laminectomy process varies depending on the nature of your condition. It typically involves making minute incisions to move the muscular tissue and vertebra into position.
Additional strategies like spinal fusion and grafting are necessary in some cases. The pain gradually diminishes from 12 to 18 months after the procedure. A thorough diagnosis is crucial to determine if the process will effectively alleviate symptoms in the long term.
To find out more about non-invasive treatment for spinal stenosis, call Apex Spine and Neurosurgery or schedule a consultation online today.