Exploring Health Concerns and Treatments

If you are living with spinal stenosis, you most likely have had to make a lifestyle change due to chronic pain and an inability to move and complete simple everyday tasks. This condition causes a narrowing of the spinal cord, which is painful and debilitating, but treatments are available. In most cases, doctors will recommend a surgical procedure to create space in the spinal column, allowing you to move in a more normal, pain free manner.

Known as a lumbar laminectomy, the surgery is effective for large portion of patients. Considering an estimated 70 to 80 percent of patients see effective results in their pain and mobility problems after the surgery, you may be interested in this procedure. Unfortunately, the surgery is invasive, meaning you will be under anesthesia during the procedure and will recover a large period of time for recovery. Thankfully, other options are available to reduce your pain and improve your mobility while living with stenosis of the spine. Before beginning, be sure to consult your doctor. Here are a few non-surgical ways to reduce the pain of your spinal stenosis.

Hydrotherapy

You may not think water can help ease your pain and discomfort, but this natural element can do extraordinary things to your body and mind. Centered on the use of various forms of water, hydrotherapy can ease physical and emotional tension, relieve pain, and improve your body's blood circulation.

For your spinal stenosis, use hydrotherapy to improve blood circulation, which reduces inflammation and pain. Hydrotherapy also helps your brain release endorphins. These natural chemicals move through your body, instantly improving your overall mood.

Of course, you may not know where or how to begin hydrotherapy, but the benefits of this pain reliever is that it can be used at home in different ways. Fill your tub with warm water and soak in it for a few minutes each day, or place a stool or chair in your shower and allow the hot water to hit your spine when you are experiencing pain and stiffness. Using ice packs on your spine and neck will also offer relief.  

Exercise

Your pain and stiffness may prevent you from completing strenuous exercises, but working out with a physical therapist is a great way to reduce your spinal stenosis. Again, make sure to consult your doctor before beginning any new exercises.

Exercise is proven to increase the body's production of endorphins while improving blood flow and decreasing inflammation. In addition, certain exercises can strengthen your muscles and joints, which will improve your ability to move even while suffering with stenosis of the spine.

Swimming, yoga, light walking, and weight training are all great options to start your new exercise program. Not only are they beneficial for weight loss and improving endurance, but these exercises are also low impact, ensuring you can get started without a great deal of pain.

Diet

Changing your diet may also be able to manage the pain of spinal stenosis. To get started, increase your intake of foods rich in omega 3 and omega 9 fatty acids. These foods decrease inflammation, which can reduce your spinal stenosis pain. Here are a few foods to consider:

• Flaxseed
• Nuts – walnuts and almonds
• Fish – salmon, tuna, and halibut
• Sesame and olive oil
• Avocado

You should also reduce your intake of foods that are high in omega 6 fatty acids, which will actually increase inflammation in your body. These foods include packaged foods loaded with preservatives, dairy products, beef, pork, and processed meats.

Living with spinal stenosis is possible, but you must educate yourself on the best options for managing your pain. Check out this site and talk with a doctor to learn about pain management solutions.