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Spinal Stenosis: Treatment
Spinal stenosis is caused by pinching of the nerves in the back. When it is severe, surgery may be necessary. This surgery is directed at removing the structures (arthritis, bulging discs, etc) that press on the nerves. If the primary problem is leg pain/numbness, just doing a decompression will suffice. However, if you have significant back pain, your surgeon may also recommend a fusion (i.e., taking away part of the motion of your back to decrease the pain in that area).
Because most cases are not this severe to start, and because most cases do not present with significant weakness in the legs, most orthopedic surgeons agree that the initial treatment of spinal stenosis should be without surgery. (Be sure to check with your doctor for specifics regarding your particular case.)
The non-operative (without surgery) treatment of spinal stenosis often begins with prescribing anti-inflammatory medications. Your doctor may send you for an "epidural steroid injection" to further decrease the inflammation around your nerves. Treatment of the back pain component of spinal stenosis is directed at strengthening your muscles around the back and abdomen, while providing your back support for more strenuous activity. Please see our Low Back Pain Relief page for more information on what you can do to help your aching back.