Spinal Stenosis is a debilitating condition that affects the lower back and spine. It can be caused by injury, herniated discs, or arthritis. The pain this condition causes often leads to depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. Effective spinal Stenosis treatment is imperative for preventing worsening symptoms and complications later on down the road. A Texas-based pain management expert will help deal with spinal Stenosis accordingly. Thus book an appointment with the best anesthesiologist in Houston, TX.
What is Spinal Stenosis?
Spinal Stenosis is a spine condition characterized by decreased space in the spinal canal. This narrowing puts pressure on surrounding nerves and can cause back pain, lower leg pain or numbness, tingling, or weakness.
The effects of Spinal Stenosis on a person’s quality of life are far-reaching. The pain and numbness can make it difficult to perform activities of daily living, work, or enjoy time with family and friends. In addition, people with Spinal Stenosis are at an increased risk for developing other health conditions like depression and anxiety.
What Causes Spinal Stenosis?
There are many causes of Spinal Stenosis. The most common of these include:
- Aging; the spine thins and loses elasticity with age. This can cause spinal canal stenosis to develop.
- Heredity; many people with spinal Stenosis have a family history of the condition or have parents who have been treated for it
- Injury; an injury to the back or spine can cause spinal Stenosis to develop. This may include a car accident, a fall, or sports injury.
- Herniated Discs; when a disc pushes out of its normal position, it can pressure the spinal cord or nerve roots.
- Arthritis; this condition can cause the bones and joints in the spine to become inflamed and narrow the spinal canal.
How is Spinal Stenosis Treated?
There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for spinal Stenosis. Treatment will depend on the severity and location of your Spinal Stenosis. The goal of treatment is to reduce pain, numbness, and tingling in the legs, arms, or hands caused by the narrowing in the spine.
Non-Surgical Treatments: These treatments for spinal Stenosis focus on managing symptoms and may include physical therapy to improve strength and flexibility; there are also medications like pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, or steroid injections
Surgical Treatments: If non-surgical treatments are not effective or the Stenosis is severe, your doctor may recommend surgery to treat obstructions and remove pressure from the spinal cord and surrounding nerves. There are a variety of treatments for this condition, depending on the degree and severity:
Post-Treatment Measures to Consider
After undergoing treatment, you should speak with your doctor to discuss the best ways to maintain good health. Some recommendations that may help include:
- Weight loss if needed
- Keep an active lifestyle
- Limit activities that increase pressure on the spine/back, such as heavy lifting or bending.
If you are suffering from Spinal Stenosis, you must seek anesthesiologist treatment. The pain this condition causes can lead to depression, anxiety, and other health conditions like arthritis. It is essential to take the proper steps when dealing with spinal Stenosis. Let an anesthesiologist help determine which treatment option would be best for your needs.
