Back Pain and Spinal Stenosis

spinal stenosis

Lately, you've been experiencing a new pain that begins in your buttocks, and seems to radiate slowly down the backs of both legs. You have noticed though, that if you bend over, or once you sit down, the pain goes away.

After a thorough exam from your doctor, he mentions spinal stenosis, which is simply put a narrowing of the spinal canal which puts pressure the nerves in your spine, as well as the actual spinal cord. This doesn't mean you have to change life as you know it, it simply means you need to make some changes, which may include physical therapy or other techniques to relieve pain. There are those, however, who may need more aggressive treatment including surgery.

Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis

The symptoms of spinal stenosis don't just show up suddenly, but gradually make themselves noticeable to you. It may take months or even years before you finally realize you may need to see a doctor. Some of these bothersome symptoms include but are not limited to pain, burning, aching, tingling and even cramping from the buttocks that may radiate down to the calves. You may even notice a worsening of symptoms when you stand up or lie down flat.

Treatment

Surgery is not always needed in the treatment of spinal stenosis.

• Many individuals who suffer from mild to moderate discomfort and pain have gained relief from physical therapy and even weight loss, which takes pressure off of the midsection and back. Physical therapy and exercise including stretching and strength training along with the use of hot and cold compresses are enough to alleviate symptoms and allow some to return to normal life activities.

• It's important to maintain a level of fitness, even though you may suffer from some discomfort or mild pain. Walking, swimming, and bicycling are all excellent low-impact exercises to keep you moving and agile.

• Careful use of pain meds may help relieve pain and inflammation. Medicines that help to quiet those irritated nerves include amitriptyline (Elavil), gabapentin (Neurontin) and pregabalin (Lyrica). These are just examples of medications that may help with the radiating pain down the legs. Be sure to speak with your doctor before beginning any pain treatment to ensure proper use and that there are not harmful side effects with medications you may be currently taking.

• Steroids are another option in the treatment of spinal stenosis. Whether received via a spinal injection, or in pill form, steroids help reduce swelling of tissues. Some individuals have reported relief for as long as one year from one injection. Each individual, however, is different.

• Although it has been around for a long time, many are looking to acupuncture for pain relief.

• Spinal manipulation may decrease pain by the alignment of bones within the spine.

Unfortunately, there are those who will require back surgery. You and your physician should discuss all the options and make the best choice for you, your pain, and your lifestyle. Be willing to go through a period of trial and error to help with your decision.