4 Things to Stop Doing If You Have Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

 Have you been diagnosed with lumbar spinal stenosis? Are you waiting for it to go away on its own? You may be wondering whether spine surgery is an option. What should you avoid if you have spinal stenosis?
Here’s what you should stop doing to avoid worsening the condition and symptoms. You must also get in touch with your doctor and physical therapist to know about the best ways to manage your condition in the long term.

1. Hoping the Symptoms will Go Away

Most people live under hope that the back pain will go with time. They try to tackle symptoms with home remedies, pain killers, and other methods. However, lumbar spinal stenosis does not behave the same as other causes of back pain. This condition is a progressive condition which worsens if you ignore it. It will NOT just go away.

Spinal stenosis can be taken care of by engaging in a guided exercise program targeted to improving mobility and reduce back and leg pain. The idea is to improve strength and motion range. It is important to walk better with less pain.

Consider spinal stenosis as any other medical condition and work towards managing it.

2. Treating Just the Inflammation
The major cause of spinal stenosis is narrowing of spinal canal. It irritates the nerves travelling down the legs. Symptoms may get worse with walking. Bending forward or sitting down will make the symptoms better. Irritated nerves can get inflamed. Most individuals tend to take anti-inflammatory medication. This is only a temporary treatment option. Relying solely on medication for managing spinal stenosis may worsen the symptoms and affect mobility limitations. Changing biomechanics of spine is the best way to improve the condition. It changes the way your spine moves. Exercises and postural correction under the guidance of an expert will help.

3. Flexion Exercises without Guidance

Individuals with spinal stenosis are usually prescribed flexion exercises. These exercises help bend the spine forward. The position increased diameter of spinal canal and takes pressure off spinal nerves. Additionally, flexion exercises (mainly sustained standing lumbar extension) may benefit from bending backward. The exercise will press against spinal discs while moving them far from spinal nerves and canal to provide them with more space. Speak to your physical therapist about how to do spinal extension exercises correctly.

4. Don’t Think about Surgery

After initial diagnosis of lumbar spinal stenosis, your doctor may have suggested some treatment options. Also referred to as lumbar laminectomy, spine surgery may be an effective treatment for people with spinal stenosis. However, studies indicate that a physical therapy may have similar long-standing effects to surgery. An experienced and renowned orthopaedic spine surgeon will not suggest surgery without considering other treatment options such as medications, physical therapy, topical solutions, heat/cold therapy, lifestyle changes, etc. A surgery may definitely be an option for some individuals with lumbar spinal stenosis. Once the condition reaches that point, the benefits of surgery outweigh risks.

Before spinal stenosis reaches the point where surgery is absolutely necessary, stop worrying about it. Until then, engage in other treatment options to treat the condition. Your doctor may also consider more invasive treatment options such as surgery or epidural steroid injections when needed.

To Sum Up

Living with lumbar spinal stenosis is not easy. It is a progressive condition. In some cases, the symptoms may be improved with right exercises and physical therapy combined with anti-inflammatory medications. An experienced physical therapist will guide you in this respect. Surgery is an option only once you have exhausted all other options.

3 Ways to Avoid a Spine Surgery

 

Nobody would like to undergo a surgery. Although certain conditions are best treated with a surgery, most medical practitioners prefer traditional measures and preventative measures.

Before trying to avoid a surgery, you must consult an experienced orthopaedic spine surgeon. An expert can recommend non-surgical treatment options appropriate for your condition. It is crucial to listen to advice of medical expert, but here are a few tips that can help you avoid back pain and the operating table:

1. Exercise

Contrary to the popular belief, rest and restriction of activity aren’t the best ways to treat a back condition of care for it. Although the methods are helpful in preventing excess stress on spine, exercise can actually strengthen structures. It also imparts strength to core muscles groups and those around the area. Exercise helps with blood pumping; deliver oxygenated blood to appropriate areas, and takes excess stress off spine.

2. Weight Loss and Healthy Diet

Following a healthy diet plays a significant role in maintaining spine health. Foods high in sugar or fat can help with spinal towards the development of inflammation. A healthy diet is also crucial for maintaining a healthy weight, which ensures you aren’t over stressing your spine. Losing weight is one of the best ways to keep the spine healthy.

3. Spinal Manipulation

This is a solution if back pain results from alignment problem. The procedure is very helpful in realigning spine and avoiding surgery. An experienced professional will carefully perform spinal manipulation to treat other issues such as a pinched nerve. However the technique is not recommended for those dealing with a muscle tear or a spinal fracture. It is wise to speak to a doctor.
The final decision depends on the surgeon after a thorough assessment of your condition.s

How to Choose the Best Back Specialist

A spine specialist is a medical professional who focuses primarily on treatment of spine conditions. Choosing an appropriate type of health professional is crucial. This depends mainly on the nature, severity, and duration of symptoms.

Spine surgery is performed only after the patient has tried all other methods for treatment. Since spine is a crucial part of the body controlling body structure and function, it is wise to choose the right surgeon. This ensures accurate diagnosis and treatment of your spinal condition.

Here are some tips to help you choose the best back specialist:

1. Check Credentials
Do not be afraid to ask credentials and qualifications of your potential surgeon. Board certified surgeons are the best choice. It allows you to confirm that the surgeon holds the best and right amount of expertise within the department.

2. Experience

Ask your potential surgeon about the number of years he has been offering the spinal surgery. The surgeon should tell you the number of times he has carried out a precise surgery. Additionally, enquire about the success rate of surgical procedures they have performed.

3. Referrals and Reviews

You can find these online. Additionally, you can speak to those who have availed of the service of surgeon. Try to ask for referrals from your colleagues, friends, physician, or relatives with knowledge about the varied surgeons in your area.

4. Customer Service

There is no point in seeking services from a back specialist you do not feel comfortable with. Look for a friendly and approachable surgeon. The potential surgeon must solve all of your queries without much delay.

5. Verify Skills and Expertise of Surgeon

It is not easy to find a surgeon someone you know and trust. Make sure you verify skills and expertise before hiring one.

5 Signs You should See a Back Doctor

Back is not uncommon among men and women, these days. The condition has become more common with people getting busier with their professional lives. Most of us tend to avoid consulting a medical professional. The condition is overlooked as a result of stress and strain in the spine or muscles. Many times heat/ice packs, over the counter pain killers, and sprays or rest provide relief from pain and discomfort.

Now the question is when to visit a back doctor. Here are some signs that suggest you to fix an appointment with a medical professional:

1. Numbness or Tingling

Schedule an appointment with one of the best back doctors if back pain is accompanied by typical pins and needles feeling. This may be a serious indicator of nerve damage. Persisting tingling sensation should take you to a trip to the doctor. The condition if left untreated may lead to permanent disabilities.

2. Night Pain

Do not ignore pain that you experience only at night. It is a sign that you should visit a back doctor. It may be a sign of a sprain, disc degeneration, or a tumor.

3. Pain that Persists

Ninety percent of back pain cases get better within six weeks. So if your pain is a bit more persistent or it’s accompanied by fever, night sweats or unintended weight loss, it’s time to call your doctor, who can do tests to rule out serious issues and prescribe treatment to help you get relief.

4. Trouble Controlling Bladder

Loss of bladder or bowel control accompanied with back pain should not be ignored. It may be a sign of Cauda Equine syndrome, a rare yet serious condition. It is a result of a trauma to spine or herniated disc causing paralysis of nerve roots at the end of the spine.

5. Trouble Walking

Do your feet feel heavy? If you find yourself lifting your foot higher consciously to compensate dragging, you are suffering from foot drop. This condition is usually accompanied by back pain and a sign of nerve issue. Schedule a check-up with a doctor.

3 Ways to Prepare for your First Appointment with an Orthopedic Surgeon

Meeting with an orthopedic surgeon doesn’t have to be an intimidating moment. It is natural to have some fears for the first time. You may worry about surgery or other serious treatment options. Don’t worry! Here are a few tips to help prepare to see an orthopedic surgeon:

1. List Down Questions

Before meeting one of the orthopedic surgeons, jot down all of the questions you have in mind in a diary. Do this while at home so that once you step into the office of specialist, you do not forget your concerns. Carry this list along with you to the doctor’s clinic. You may also discuss queries that aren’t a part of your diary but arise in your mind while sitting at the clinic. A good idea is to maintain a list of questions on mobile device. This will help you add to your list of questions as they come to your mind.

2. Record of Pain

Since you are meeting an orthopedic specialist for treatment, it is important to know what you feel, the intensity of pain, the times pain get worse, time when you experience decreased mobility, etc. Maintain a diary of pain  and give this information to the specialist.

3. Bring Documents

Take along all documents, X-Rays, and notes from other doctors. This will help the surgeon to understand your condition well. He can easily narrow down all possible causes and finalize the best treatment options.

Taking your time to prepare yourself will help you get more out of your appointment. Being prepared with documentation and questions in advance is the key to make the most of your meeting.

Keeping in mind, the above mentioned points will save you and your orthopedic surgeon time and efforts.

Recovering from Spine Surgery – What to Expect?

Once your spine surgery is done, it’s time to focus on an important phase - recovery. Body demands some time to return to normal after any surgical procedure. This is how it restores damaged tissues and takes up the original position.

Recovering from spine surgery is time taking process. You must wait a little to help body feel completely healed. The recovery period plays an important role in rebuilding body strength. You must stay positive and have realistic goals. Here’s what to expect and do while recovering from spinal surgery:

Recovery Differs

This differs from one patient to another. The amount of time it takes to return to normal activities varies. Usually, recovery time is faster as compared to younger patients who are in good physical condition. Recovery time can be shortened by maintaining a positive healthy attitude, a well-balanced diet, and getting plenty of rest. Those who smoke or overweight individuals take more time for recovery.

Do not push beyond Instructions of Your Surgeon

The surgeon will provide you with information related on what to expect after spine surgery. Make sure you follow your doctor's instructions. When you push yourself too fast after surgery, it leads to setbacks in the process. So make sure you rest.

Age and Recovery

Young individuals are more capable of a faster recovery as compared to their senior counterparts. A number of processes in the body tend to slow down with age. For instance, older people produce less collagen. This is very important for growth of and regeneration of tissue. However, your attitude will help you enjoy a positive experience.

Follow Recommendations of your Surgeon

The surgeon will develop the best possible approach to your recovery. You must adhere to his or her advice on taking medications or time period required to return to a particular activity. Following these instructions will help avoid setbacks and speed up your recovery.

All You Need to Know about Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon

An orthopedic surgeon is a medical professional dedicated to the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of disorders of muscles, bones, joints, tendons, and ligaments. The professional should also have completed a five-year residency with main focus on the surgical treatment of musculoskeletal conditions. An orthopaedic spine surgeon may complete additional training with specialization in spine surgery and a Spine Fellowship.  

 
Some orthopaedists are generalists. On the other hand, many of these professionals also specialize in specific areas of the body, such as the following listed below:
                                                                                              
- Foot and ankle
- Spine
- Hip and knee
- Shoulder and elbow
- Hand

The Role of an Orthopaedic Surgeon

Orthopaedic surgeons are known to explore nonsurgical treatment options first. These may include rehabilitation and pain medication. These medical professionals are known to have expertise to perform surgery aiming at repairing an injury or treating a condition, if necessary.

Why Visit an Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon?

The major reason most people visit an orthopaedic surgeon is musculoskeletal pain. These professionals also treat broken bones and also replace painful joints. Most people are not aware that they treat the following conditions listed below:

- Injuries resulting from sports
- Back pain
- Spinal stenosis
- Ruptured disks
- Bone tumors
- Carpal tunnel
- Hand arthritis
- Hand injuries
- Arthritis
- Achilles tendon injuries
- Club foot
- Osteoporosis
- Hip dysplasia
- Bow legs
- Orthopaedic trauma
- Limb lengthening
- Bunions and foot, ankle injuries

A Visit to Orthopaedic Surgeon

Carry Visit Notes
It is important to carry a copy of visit notes especially if you have seen a doctor or a different orthopedic surgeon. Mention if you have already visited other medical professionals such as doctor, emergency room physician, or a primary care provider. The surgeon will study the copy of medical records to understand the treatments you had taken. These records are also helpful if you have visited the surgeon for a second opinion.