Spinal Stenosis

Doctor Examination

Medical History and Physical Examination
A doctor will examine your back after discussing your symptoms and medical history. This includes looking at your back and applying pressure on different areas to see if it hurts. Your doctor may have you bend forward, backward, and side-to-side to look for limitations or pain.

Imaging Tests
Other tests that will help confirm a spinal stenosis diagnosis include:

• X-ray: An x-ray can help determine if you have aging changes, like loss of disc height or bone spurs. X-rays can also show instability in your joints.
• MRI: This study helps create better images of soft tissues such as muscles, discs, nerves, and the spinal cord.

Treating Spinal Stenosis

Nonsurgical Treatment

Nonsurgical treatment options focus on restoring function and relieving pain. Although nonsurgical methods do not improve the narrowing of the spinal canal, many people report that these treatments help relieve symptoms. A few nonsurgical solutions Redefine Healthcare suggests are:

• Physical therapy
• Lumbar traction
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Steroid Injections
• Acupuncture
• Chiropractic manipulation

Surgical Treatment

Surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis is reserved for patients who have a lot of pain and weakness. Patients may complain of difficulty walking for extended periods. This is often the reason that patients consider surgery. The two main types of procedures for spinal stenosis are:

Laminectomy – Also called a “decompression,” a laminectomy can be performed as open surgery. The process can also be done using a minimally invasive method, where several smaller incisions are made. Your doctor will discuss the right option for you.
Spinal fusion – If arthritis has progressed to spinal instability, a combination of decompression and stabilization or spinal fusion may be recommended.