Alternative ways to treat Spinal Stenosis
Although medications and surgery are often recommended, there are a variety of other treatments that can be beneficial in reducing the symptoms. These include:
Physical Therapy
These symptoms are often treated with physical therapy. Exercises, massage, and traction are some of the treatments that may be used. Physical therapy can improve mobility, flexibility and strength. Physical therapy can help reduce pain and improve functionality. (10)
- TractionTraction is the use of a device that applies pressure to the back and stretches it. The device pulls the spine which increases the space available for nerves and opens the spinal canal. It can improve nerve function and reduce pain. It can also relieve pressure on nerves and improve blood circulation. Traction can also reduce inflammation and improve mobility.
- Massage –Massage can be helpful for people with this condition. It can help improve blood circulation, reduce inflammation, and relax muscles around the spine. It can improve mobility and range-of-motion. Massage has also been clinically proven as a way to loosen tight muscles and ligaments, especially in the neck and the back. This can improve blood circulation and reduce pressure at the cervical spine and the lumbar spinal cord. Talk to your doctor if you suffer from spinal stenosis about the benefits of massage.
- Electrical stimulation – The treatment uses electrical currents in order to stimulate spinal nerves. The treatment has been around for many years and is used to treat a wide range of health problems. Spinal stenosis is one condition that can be helped by electric stimulation. The spine can be stretched and opened up by using a special device that stimulates the muscles and nerves. This treatment is usually combined with traction to help open up the spine.
Artificial discs
The narrowing of spinal canals can cause pressure on nerve roots and the spinal cord in people with spinal stenosis. This can lead to pain, numbness and weakness in your arms and legs. One option is to have the affected spine removed, but this can be a risky procedure. Artificial disc replacement is an alternative treatment.
During this procedure, the surgeons replace the damaged discs with artificial ones. This treatment has been shown to be effective in reducing pain and improving functionality. More research is required to determine whether this treatment will be effective and safe over the long term.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture has been used to treat different conditions for centuries. Acupuncture is the use of needles inserted at specific points on the human body. Some people think that acupuncture helps to relieve pain and improve the function of people with spinal stenosis.
Some evidence suggests that acupuncture could be beneficial for those with spinal stenosis. In a study published in “PLoS One”, acupuncture reduced pain and improved function for people with spinal stenosis. The study involved 60 participants divided into two groups. The first group was treated with acupuncture, while the second group was given sham treatment. Both groups showed a reduction of pain. However, the group who received real acupuncture experienced a greater pain reduction than the group who received sham treatment.
According to a study, acupuncture could be an effective treatment option for spinal stenosis. Researchers at Kyung Hee University, South Korea, conducted the study. They found that patients receiving acupuncture showed a significant improvement in symptoms, such as pain, and in their ability to function.
Participants were divided into two groups. One group received real acupuncture treatment, and the other received sham treatments (in which needles are inserted in non-acupuncture points). After eight weeks, both groups improved in their symptoms. However, the group who received real acupuncture treatment showed a greater improvement.
Further research is required to confirm that acupuncture can be an effective treatment for spinal stenosis.
Acupressure
New research suggests that acupressure could be an effective treatment option for those with spinal stenosis. According to the study, those who regularly received acupressure sessions reported less pain and better mobility.
The study included 60 participants randomly divided into 3 groups. One group was treated with traditional acupuncture. Another group received sham-acupuncture (a procedure where needles were inserted in non-acupuncture areas). The third group received no treatment.
The traditional acupuncture group reported significantly less pain and better mobility after eight weeks compared to the other groups. Researchers say that the results suggest acupuncture could be an effective and safe treatment for those with spinal stenosis.
Chiropractic care
Spinal stenosis, or a narrowing in the spinal canal can cause pain and tingling. It may also lead to numbness and pain in the legs and back. Chiropractic care can help relieve these symptoms. A chiropractor will adjust your spine and use other methods to improve the flow and nerve impulses in the spine. This can reduce inflammation and pain. The spine can be kept flexible and strong with chiropractic care. (11)
Some evidence suggests that it could be helpful for this condition. In one study, people who had chiropractic treatment reported less pain and better function than those who didn’t. More research is required to determine if chiropractic care is effective for treating spinal stenosis.
A second study has found that chiropractic treatment is effective for treating spinal stenosis. This study was published in Journal of Manipulative & Physiological Therapies and examined the results of chiropractic treatment for patients with spinal degeneration. The study showed that chiropractic treatment significantly improved pain and function in patients.
Cupping Therapy
Cupping therapy, an ancient alternative medicine form, is believed to improve blood circulation and promote health. According to a new study, cupping therapy may help relieve the symptoms of spinal stenosis, which can be caused by age, arthritis and injuries.
Researchers found that cupping therapy reduced pain and improved function for patients with spinal stenosis. Researchers say more research is needed to confirm the findings. However, they believe that cupping could be an effective treatment for spinal stenosis.
Assistive devices
Some people with spinal degeneration may require assistance in walking. Many devices can make it easier for people with spinal stenosis to walk. Canes, scooters and walkers are some of the devices that can help people with spinal stenosis.
Canes can be a useful tool for those with spinal stenosis. You can walk with ease and maintain your balance. They are also a common aid for those with spinal stenosis. You can use them to keep yourself upright and maintain your balance. Scooters can be used by people who have spinal stenosis. You can sit on them and move around. This is helpful for people who have difficulty standing long periods.
Researchers found in a recent study published in “Spine” that assistive devices can improve the quality of life and function for those with spinal stenosis. The study involved 569 spinal stenosis patients who were randomly divided into three groups. Those who used assistive devices, those who underwent physical therapy or those who didn’t receive any treatment. The researchers found that after 12 weeks those who used an assistive device had a significantly higher quality of life and function than those in either the physical therapy or the control group. The researchers also found that using an assistive device is associated with a reduced likelihood of needing to undergo surgery. These findings suggest assistive devices could be beneficial for people with spinal degeneration.
