Spinal stenosis comes in two types, each affecting a different part of the body. The first type is called cervical spinal stenosis. Cervical spinal stenosis refers to spinal cord compression on the neck area. Apart from pain and numbness, physicians are concerned with this spinal stenosis type being on the neck area. Aggravated stenosis may result to physical weakness and even paralysis on some patients.
What Causes Spinal Stenosis?
Arthritis is the main cause of spinal stenosis. It all starts with degeneration of the intervertebral disc, which then causes abnormal motion in the spinal joints, leading to arthritis.
With the overgrowth of bone and soft tissue due to arthritis, nerves start to get pinched as they are exiting the spine. Often times, this does not result in any symptoms. However, an individual may end up with pain in the buttocks and legs when the nerve roots are inflamed.
- Pharmacological Approaches
Pharmacological approaches include providing NSAIDs or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for pain alleviation. Additional medication options may include nerve modifying agents such as Neurontin or Lyrica.
Additional treatment options may include:
- Acupuncture
- TENS Units
- Epidural Steroid Injections
Seattle Pain Relief offers the best spinal stenosis treatment options to help individuals avoid surgery. Most insurance is accepted, call (206) 536-3007 for pain management Seattle trusts today!