Are you living with spinal stenosis? Many people have this condition without even realizing it. Stenosis can be caused by an injury or simply by the natural shape of your spinal canal. Regardless of the cause, it can lead to chronic pain, weakness, and numbness. However, there are plenty of ways to deal with this pain. Read on to learn our top tips for living with spinal stenosis.
What is Spinal Stenosis?
Spinal stenosis is caused by a narrowing of a person’s spine. This puts pressure on different areas of the neck and back. While this can cause many uncomfortable symptoms, not all patients with spinal stenosis will develop pain. In fact, some people don’t even know they have it. However, most patients do deal with discomfort, and doctors use a variety of tools to help them find relief.
Common Symptoms
As you know, your spine is home to the spinal cord, as well as a variety of nerves. These control different parts of the body. Therefore, spinal stenosis usually causes pain, pressure, and/or numbness in the body part that is controlled by the damaged section of your spine. This might cause tingling in one of your extremities, pain or weakness in one of your limbs, or problems with walking or balance. Spinal stenosis can also cause back pain, bowel issues, and/or bladder issues.
Treatment Options
While spinal stenosis can cause unpleasant symptoms, there are many great treatment options to ease your pain. Over-the-counter medications, prescription medications, and steroid injections are all frequently used. For patients with severe symptoms, surgery might also be recommended.
Regular, gentle exercise can also help relieve spinal stenosis symptoms. Talk to a physical therapist to learn more about the right exercises. While exercise might sound difficult, it can maintain strength and help you improve your balance. This will make living with spinal stenosis easier.
Got Back Pain? We Can Help.
Genesis Pain Clinic offers plenty of solutions for spinal stenosis. Whether you need physical therapy, steroid injections, or another treatment, our team can help you feel like yourself again. Ready to learn more? Contact us today to schedule a consultation.