Spinal stenosis develops when the spaces inside your spine get narrower. It’s most common in your lower back and your neck, and it can put pressure on your spinal cord and nerves that ends up causing symptoms like pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in your legs or arms.
Spinal stenosis is a degenerative condition, which means it starts and progresses over time, often as a result of aging, arthritis, or other structural changes in your spine. And if you’ve been diagnosed with spinal stenosis, you might be wondering if it will inevitably worsen if you don’t treat it right away.
Our team at Manhattan Orthopedics is ready to help you. We specialize in care for spinal stenosis — and though it’s likely that spinal stenosis will progress over time, it doesn’t mean you need to turn to invasive treatment for relief.
Spinal stenosis typically progresses with age and general wear and tear on your spine. A few factors that can cause or accelerate spinal stenosis are osteoarthritis, degenerative disc disease, and herniated discs.
However, not everyone experiences worsening symptoms. For some, spinal stenosis symptoms remain stable, or they might even come and go. The severity of your symptoms often depends on factors like activity level, body mechanics, and general health.
If your spinal stenosis isn’t interfering with your daily life, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is key to managing your symptoms and preventing progression. Focus on exercises that strengthen your core and improve flexibility, like gentle stretching or low-impact activities like swimming or walking.
We recommend regular health check-ins with our team to make sure that your symptoms remain controlled. We might also recommend physical therapy or occasional anti-inflammatory medication if needed for comfort and mobility.
Whether you just learned that you have spinal stenosis or you’ve had it for a while, it’s important to educate yourself about the condition and its treatment options. The good news is that spinal stenosis doesn’t always require invasive treatments like surgery.
In fact, many people find symptom relief through conservative approaches that focus on improving mobility, strengthening the spine, and reducing nerve compression. Here are some effective noninvasive treatment options for spinal stenosis:
Physical therapy is a foundational approach in treating spinal stenosis. Your physical therapist guides you through exercises designed to strengthen the muscles supporting your spine, improve flexibility, and enhance posture.
Core-strengthening exercises, gentle stretches, and targeted movements can alleviate some pressure on your spine and help relieve symptoms, too.
Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen, can help you manage pain and inflammation associated with spinal stenosis. Reducing inflammation can help ease nerve pressure, providing temporary relief from pain and discomfort.
If you have more persistent pain, epidural steroid injections may provide longer-lasting relief. A corticosteroid injection in the area around your spinal cord can help reduce inflammation, swelling, and nerve irritation, alleviating pain for weeks or even months.
Adjustments to your daily activities can make a big difference for your spinal stenosis. Avoiding activities that put strain on your spine, maintaining a healthy weight, and using supportive seating can all help minimize symptoms. Low-impact exercises like swimming, walking, or cycling can also help keep your spine mobile without adding extra strain.
Although spinal stenosis can progress over time, it doesn’t always lead to worsening symptoms — especially if you take a proactive approach. We offer a range of noninvasive treatments customized to your needs to help you find relief from your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
Learn more about living with spinal stenosis with a consultation at Manhattan Orthopedics in Astoria, Brooklyn, and Manhattan, New York. Book your appointment online, or call the office nearest you today.
