Spinal stenosis is the term most often used to describe the narrowing of the spinal canal and is most often a part of the ageing process. As spinal stenosis progresses it can begin to compress the spinal nerve roots causing pain in the lower back as well as pain or numbness in the buttocks, hips and through the leg.
At Olympia Orthopaedic Associates, our Board Certified Spine Specialists offer a variety of spinal stenosis treatment options. An accurate diagnosis is the most important part of an effective treatment plan that provides long-lasting symptom relief.
Below are 4 of the most common treatment options used for spinal stenosis at Olympia Orthopaedic Associates.
Treatment Option #1: Anti-Inflammatory Medications
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) help block the enzymes that cause inflammation. They are commonly prescribed to decrease the pain and inflammation associated with spinal stenosis. NSAIDs are available in over-the-counter and prescription strengths. It is always best to consult one of our Spine Specialists to determine which may be best for you.
Treatment Option #2: Physical Therapy
At Olympia Orthopaedic Associates, our Spine Specialists and Physical Therapists collaborate to create a physical therapy treatment plan specifically tailored to you. Exercises and stretches can strengthen the muscles around the spine which can help relieve the pressure on the spinal nerve roots.
Treatment Option #3: Injections
While injections can’t stop the arthritic process that causes spinal stenosis, they can provide fast-acting symptom relief for the pain associated with spinal stenosis.
There are many injection options our Spine Specialists can discuss which option may be best for you. At Olympia Orthopaedic Associates, all injections are performed under fluoroscopic X-ray guidance to ensure accuracy. During the injection, a small needle is carefully guided into the epidural space. A steroid, anaesthetic or combination of both are injected into the space. The steroid reduces inflammation over the course of several days while the anaesthetic immediately reduces pain.
Injections are a great treatment option because they relieve symptoms while other treatment options, such as physical therapy, begin to work.
Treatment Option #4: Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
Minimally invasive spine surgery is discussed when nonsurgical treatment options do not relieve symptoms. Our Board Certified and Fellowship Trained Spine Surgeons utilize the latest advancement in minimally invasive spinal surgery and many of our patients are even able to return home the same day.
Minimally invasive spine surgery has several advantages over traditional open incision surgery, including:
- A smaller incision
- Less muscle and tissue surgical trauma
- A faster recovery
After surgery, physical therapy helps strengthen the muscles around the spine, which maximizes results.
Finding Out Which Spinal Stenosis Treatment is Right for You
At Olympia Orthopaedic Associates, we know each patient and their symptoms are unique. This is why our Spine Specialists take the time to understand what is causing your pain and what the best treatment options may be based on your lifestyle, activity level and goals.
Contact any of our offices throughout Olympia to schedule an appointment with one of our Spine Specialists. The sooner you do, the sooner we can get you back to a Life in Motion!