Treatment Options for Spinal Stenosis

Swimming and pool therapy are an excellent non-surgical treatment option for spinal stenosis.

As we age, the normal wear and tear of our bodies can affect our level of functioning and enjoyment of life. This is more of a reality when we become middle aged or older and our spines are no exception. Within the spine, we expect some degree of degeneration that may include disc dehydration and loss of height, disc bulging or herniation, thickening and hardening of ligaments, enlarged joints, bone spurs and joint instability. These effects of aging can lead to narrowing and pressure around the spinal cord or nerve roots known as spinal stenosis. Men and women have an equal risk of developing this problem. Less often, spinal stenosis can be caused by an injury, congenital defect, genetic disorder or tumor. Age-related degeneration is the most common cause of central stenosis and is the focus of this article.

Spinal Stenosis: Preparing for Your Appointment

From The Mayo Clinic Online

If your family doctor suspects that you have spinal stenosis, he or she may refer you to a doctor who specializes in disorders of the nervous system (neurologist) or pain management specialist. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, you might also be referred to a spinal surgeon.

What you can do
Before the appointment, you might want to prepare a list that answers the following questions:

• - When did you first notice this problem?
• - Has it worsened with time?
• - Do you have pain? Where is it? What makes it better and worse?

The Health Wire

Medicine Cabinet Safety

Whether they be prescription or over-the-counter, it's important to keep your medication out of your childrens' reach.

Keep all medications out of sight and high enough that young children cannot reach them. Simple, plastic childproof locks are inexpensive and very difficult for a child to manage. It's also important to make sure than all of your medications include childproof caps.

For older children and teens, a locking medicine cabinet is a smart and more stylish option. Be selective about who you give key access to in your family, and remember that while it may be a bother to lock up, the benefits for your family are invaluable.

Do you know a loved one who suffers from pain?

Call TCPC at 952-841-2345