1. What can I do other than surgery for my spinal stenosis condition?

The most fundamental and important treatment is being devoted to maintaining the pelvic tilt posture program. That is eliminating the sway in your back while standing, walking, or arising to stand. However  lumbar epidural steroid blocks can help recovery from a bad episode of pain and limitation. In addition, minimally invasive surgery like the X-stop procedure is sometimes possible and may help avoid more aggressive  conventional surgery. Actually, a recent report demonstrated results  for conventional surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis yielded results similar to those for total hip replacement and better than total knee replacement at 2 year follow-up.

2. Why should I take epidural steroid injections? Aren’t they only temporary and mostly ineffective?

Lumbar epidural injections are not just a cover-up or band-aid. They have a therapeutic effect that help patients to return to a functional level similar to their severe episode. They are sometimes “like a miracle” that may be helpful for 6 months or much longer. Although they are frequently ineffective they provide an opportunity to avoid undesirable surgery until which time surgery may be more appropriate.

3. Will the spinal stenosis get worse?

Yes, but it may take many years before the condition is severe enough to require surgery. You shouldn’t worry about waking up one day devastated by this condition as long as you monitor your symptoms and ability to function on your feet  with the aid of your doctor. 

1. What can I expect after injuring my disc (  “my back going out” )?

There is an expected recovery called “the natural history” of disc injury. Depending on the severity of the injury intense pain, spasm, and limitation of movement may last 1 or 2 weeks. Then symptoms will subside to maximum healing at 6 to 12 weeks.            

2. What can I do or take to heal my disc?

There is no known medication or dietary supplement that will help with healing although smoking cessation would likely help. Protecting the disc from additional strain by being careful how you sit, bend, lift and exercize can maximize recovery. Medications prescribed by your doctor can aid the symptoms of disc injury even though these medications won’t effect the tissue healing. You have to learn to mechanically protect your disc as discussed above.

3. Do I have to give up my physical activities like golf, tennis, or working out in the gym?

No you can safely resume these activities but they need to be modified so that you maintain the sway ( lordosis ) in your back during stressful physical activities.  in your back during stressful physical activities. You are actually more likely to reinjure your back during sedentary activities like sitting in front of your computer, riding in a motor vehicle, or picking up a pencil off of the floor.

Louisville Orthopaedic Clinic has created an orthopaedic environment, which enables us to treat all types of orthopaedic problems and musculoskeletal diseases. We strive to offer the latest technological advances in orthopaedic care including onsite extremity MRI and custom orthotic services. All of our surgeons are board certified in orthopaedic surgery and have completed specialized training. This specialized training includes custom total joint replacement; arthroscopic procedures of the knee, shoulder and ankle; surgery of the spine; foot and ankle disorders and sports medicine.