Can I Stop Spinal Stenosis Pain Without Surgery?
Although back pain due to conditions like spinal stenosis is incredibly common, pain affects everyone differently. While surgery is sometimes the best or only option to relieve back pain, it’s generally reserved as a last resort when more conservative forms of treatment and pain management have failed or are no longer providing relief like they used to.
Whatever your situation, you don’t have to sacrifice your quality of life and health on account of back pain. At Republic Spine and Pain, our doctors and pain management specialists offer non-surgical pain management treatments according to your specific needs, lifestyle, and individual health profile.
Non-surgical treatments for spinal stenosis
About half a million people undergo back surgery every year due to back pain, but unfortunately, surgery isn’t a silver bullet against pain or guaranteed to be successful. In some cases, surgery is the best way to go, but for most people, a combination of physical therapy, medication, lifestyle modifications, diet and exercise, and non-surgical pain treatments are the best solution for treating the pain caused by conditions like spinal stenosis, arthritis, and sciatica among others.
Spinal stenosis causes narrowing in the spinal column, which increases the risk of vertebrae and nerve compression that results in pain and numbness in the back and extremities. Depending on the severity and extent, spinal stenosis pain can make it difficult to perform daily activities and affect mobility, even hindering the ability to walk.
The most common non-surgical pain solutions for spinal stenosis related back pain include:
- Muscle relaxers
- Pain medication (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications or NSAIDs)
- Physical therapy
- Back brace
Lifestyle modifications that promote healthy weight and quitting smoking are also common factors in a back pain management plan.
We also offer the Vertiflex® Superion® implant at Republic Pain and Spine. Veriflex is a minimally invasive, outpatient alternative to traditional back surgery. It relieves compression in the spine and the back pain and numbness that comes along with it by creating space between the vertebrae.
The procedure requires a small incision, but you won’t experience the long recovery period and side effects associated with traditional surgery. Most patients report experiencing back pain relief shortly after getting the procedure, and the device is designed to provide ongoing relief and support for several years.
Surgery isn’t always the answer. For more information about non-surgical treatments and pain management options for spinal stenosis, contact us today to schedule an appointment at one of our offices in Austin, Georgetown, or Lakeway, Texas.