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Monday, April 8, 2024

Spinal stenosis is a common condition that affects millions of people in the United States each year. While it can be a severe and debilitating condition, there are many ways to manage the pain and improve your quality of life. We’ll explore the causes, symptoms, treatment options, and lifestyle changes that can help you find relief and live your best life.
What Is Spinal Stenosis?
Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spaces within your spine, which can put pressure on the nerves that travel through the spine. This pressure can cause pain, numbness, weakness, and other symptoms in your neck, back, arms, and legs. Spinal stenosis is most common in the cervical (neck) and lumbar (lower back) regions, where the spine is more flexible and prone to wear and tear.
Causes of Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis is often caused by age-related changes in the spine, such as:

• Herniated discs: When a spinal disc’s soft, gel-like center pushes through a crack in the tough outer layer, it can pressure nearby nerves.
• Bone spurs: As we age, our bones can develop bony overgrowths called bone spurs, narrowing the space for nerves to pass through.
• Thickened ligaments: The tough cords that help hold the bones of your spine together can become stiff and thick over time, bulging into the spinal canal.
• Tumors: Abnormal growths can form inside the spinal cord, within the membranes that cover it, or in the space between the spinal cord and vertebrae, causing spinal stenosis.

Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis
The symptoms of spinal stenosis can vary depending on the location and severity of the narrowing. Common symptoms include:

• Pain in the neck or back
• Numbness, weakness, or tingling in the arms or legs
• Difficulty walking or standing for long periods
• Problems with balance or coordination
• In severe cases, bowel or bladder dysfunction

If you experience any of these symptoms, seeing a doctor or pain management specialist is essential for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
Lifestyle Changes for Spinal Stenosis
Specific lifestyle changes can help you manage spinal stenosis symptoms and improve your overall health. These include:

• Maintaining a healthy weight: Excess weight puts additional stress on your spine, so losing weight can help reduce pain and improve mobility.
• Exercising regularly: Low-impact activities like walking, swimming, and cycling can help strengthen your muscles, improve flexibility, and reduce pain.
• Practicing good posture: Sitting and standing straight can help reduce pressure on your spine and prevent further damage.
• Quitting smoking: Smoking can weaken your bones and slow down the healing process, so quitting can help improve your spinal health.

Treatment Options for Spinal Stenosis
In addition to lifestyle changes, there are several treatment options available for spinal stenosis, depending on the severity of your symptoms. These include:

• Pain medications: Over-the-counter or prescription medications can help relieve pain and inflammation.
• Physical therapy: A physical therapist can teach you exercises and stretches to help strengthen your muscles, improve flexibility, and reduce pain.
• Steroid injections: Corticosteroid injections can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain in the affected area.
• Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the bone or tissue pressing on the nerves.

Living with spinal stenosis can be challenging, but with the right combination of lifestyle changes and treatment options, you can manage your pain and improve your quality of life. At Columbia Pain Management, we are committed to helping you find the relief you need to live your best life. Our experienced pain management specialists will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your unique needs and goals. Contact us today at 503-654-5636 or 541-205-0173 to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards finding relief and reclaiming your active lifestyle.