Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: Home Treatment

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Home Treatment

Lumbar spinal stenosis is narrowing of the spinal canal that usually starts gradually and develops over a long period of time. This narrowing can squeeze and irritate the nerve roots that branch out from the spinal cord, or it can squeeze and irritate the spinal cord itself. Nonsurgical treatment may be helpful in relieving or reducing the symptoms of spinal stenosis. Some forms of nonsurgical treatment can be done at home, including:

• Taking medicines to relieve pain, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or acetaminophen.
• Participating in physical therapy. Physical therapists can teach you which movements will help, such as proper lifting positions, and which movements will aggravate your stenosis, such as standing erect for lengths of time.
• Exercising. Aerobic exercise as well as stretching and strengthening exercises for the lower back and stomach muscles can relieve symptoms and improve muscle strength, especially when done 4 to 5 times a week. The most beneficial aerobic exercises include riding a stationary bicycle (with the spine flexed in a forward position) and walking on a treadmill with an incline.
• Restricting activities that make your symptoms worse. Depending on the severity and location of your stenosis, these activities might include walking (especially walking downhill) and standing for a length of time.

Be sure to talk with your health professional before beginning home treatment.

Spinal stenosis may cause pain and numbness in the legs, which increases your risk of losing your balance. You can reduce your risk for falling by:

• Removing any obstacles in your house that may cause you to fall. Household hazards that can cause falls include slippery floors, poor lighting, electrical cords, cluttered walkways, and throw rugs.
• Limiting your use of alcohol and sedative medicines, such as flurazepam (Dalmane) or diazepam (such as Valium), which cause drowsiness or dizziness.
• Taking medicines only as directed by your health professional. Review medicines periodically with your primary care doctor, especially if you have more than one doctor prescribing them. You may increase your risk of falling if you take medicines such as sleeping pills or pain relievers.
• Wearing low-heeled shoes that fit well.

Last updated:	February 21, 2008
Author:	Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, Robert B. Keller, MD - Orthopedics
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman, MATC