When it comes to treatment for spinal narrowing there are many options to consider, many of which depend on your unique situation. That’s why it is extremely important to work closely with your doctor when you have chronic neck or back pain, numbness and tingling in your extremities or any other symptoms related to spinal narrowing. Only after the location, cause and severity of the spinal narrowing has been properly diagnosed can you start to develop an effective treatment plan.

Symptoms of spinal narrowing

Spinal narrowing is very common and does not always cause symptoms. However, narrowing in the spinal column caused by conditions like arthritis or a herniated disc can cause nerve compression, which can lead to both local and radiating symptoms. The goal of treatment to relieve these symptoms is to manage pain, improve mobility and take any possible steps to remove pressure from the spinal nerves.

Specific spinal narrowing treatments

Typically, when a patient is diagnosed with spinal narrowing and accompanying nerve compression, the first step is to attempt to manage the symptoms conservatively with some combination of:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
• Pain medication
• Use of alternating hot and cold compresses
• Low-impact exercises and stretching
• Physical therapy
• Epidural steroid injections
• Lifestyle changes like weight management and quitting smoking

If symptoms don’t improve, or worsen, after weeks and months of attempting conservative treatment, your doctor may ask you to consider surgery. As a safer and effective alternative to traditional open spine procedures, USA Spine Care provides minimally invasive spine surgery performed on an outpatient basis.^{^}

To learn more, contact our team of Patient Empowerment Consultants today to get your no-cost MRI review* to find out if you may be a candidate for one of our procedures.

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