When people think of back pain, they often assume it is coming from their lower back. This is not always the case, and in many cases, it’s caused by spinal stenosis. Spinal stenosis can lead to very debilitating symptoms in your upper body, including neck stiffness or pain, numbness in fingers or hands, tingling sensations typically on one side of your body but sometimes on both sides simultaneously. These are all signs that you may be suffering from spinal stenosis. Luckily, in Houston, TX, there are treatments available for this condition. What you need is to look for the best Houston pain clinics. Here are four treatments the specialists can consider.
Medications for Spinal Stenosis
Many medications can treat this condition, including anti-inflammatory drugs, steroids, muscle relaxants, and even pain medication. Many times doctors will prescribe all of these at the same time to combat your symptoms as much as possible.
While they can effectively ease pain, they have their own set of side effects that you should be aware of, including drowsiness, upset stomach, headaches, and even irritability. Depending on what type of condition you suffer from, the doctor may recommend surgery after all medications have failed to give you relief.
Epidural Injections
Epidural injections are a type of nerve block that provide temporary relief from the pain you experience with spinal stenosis. This injection works by blocking the transmission of the pain signals through specific nerves in your back, which can help give you some much-needed time away from the debilitating symptoms.
This procedure involves injecting a numbing agent into the area of your spine where the pain originates. Usually, you will return to your routine very quickly. However, it would be best if you didn’t do anything that could potentially cause injury or worsen the condition for some time after the injection has taken place.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is a great way to reduce the pain brought on by spinal stenosis. Exercises that strengthen the back and abdominal muscles can help to ease pain and stiffness in many patients.
This treatment will also include a home exercise program which will consist of a series of stretches, aerobic exercises, and strengthening exercises that you can do at home to help you feel better.
Decompression Surgery
While surgery is often considered a last resort, it is a very effective way of treating this condition. Spinal stenosis surgery can be performed in a few different ways depending on your symptoms and the severity of your case. Many people opt for laminectomy or discectomy if they suffer from nerve compression.
For many patients, decompression surgery is necessary to help reduce the pressure on their spine and relieve pain. Sometimes a laminectomy or a laminotomy will be performed to provide the patient with more room to decompress their spine.
When it comes to back pain, especially back pain brought on by spinal stenosis, sometimes surgery is necessary to relieve pain and reduce symptoms. If you are suffering from pressure on the nerves caused by spinal stenosis, make an appointment with your doctor today to see what they recommend for treatment options.
If you are suffering from pressure on the nerves caused by spinal stenosis, make an appointment with your doctor today to see what they recommend for treatment options. Several treatments can help relieve pain and reduce symptoms, including medications, epidural injections, physical therapy, and decompression surgery. Depending on your specific case, your doctor may recommend one or more of these treatments.
Johnson