What is the treatment of severe spinal stenosis?

The treatment of severe spinal stenosis often includes surgery. However, even with significant symptoms, conservative (non-surgical) treatments may be worth trying first. These include:

• oral pain relievers (such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen)

• physical therapy – This may include exercises for stretching, strengthening and improving balance.

• steroid injections – Recent studies suggest that these are not reliably effective. However, they can provide relief in select cases and many doctors still recommend them.

• surgery – This is usually reserved for people with severe symptoms that is not improving with other treatments.

Talk with your doctor for advice if you have severe spinal stenosis; based on your symptoms, examination findings and imaging tests, he or she can recommend appropriate treatment, whether non-surgical or surgical.