Can Spinal Stenosis Be Reversed?

Spinal stenosis is a condition that involves the narrowing of the spinal canal through which your spinal cord and other key nerves pass on their way throughout the body. When this space narrows, your spinal cord and spinal nerves can become compressed, leading to a bunch of uncomfortable symptoms. This commonly leads to the question, “Can spinal stenosis be reversed?” We answer that question and more in today’s blog.

Reversing Spinal Stenosis

Before we answer that question, it’s helpful to understand why spinal stenosis tends to develop in the first place. The condition can develop for a few different reasons, but some of the most common causes of a narrowing of the spinal canal include:

• Natural wear and tear
• Arthritic changes in the spinal column
• Acute injury
• Bulging or herniated disc
• Underlying spinal condition like spondylolisthesis or scoliosis

The two most common reasons for spinal stenosis onset are due to natural wear and tear and degenerative arthritis, both of which are more common as we get older. There is nothing that can be done to reverse natural wear and tear or turn back the clock on arthritic degeneration, so in that sense, spinal stenosis cannot be reversed.

With that said, spinal stenosis can absolutely be treated, and oftentimes treatment is very successful at reducing or eliminating symptoms. Your treatment plan will be based on your individual needs and your underlying cause of spinal stenosis. For example, if natural wear and tear or arthritic changes are to blame for your narrowing spinal column, your doctor will likely recommend a slew of non-operative options, like physical therapy, posture improvements, controlled exercise and dietary adjustments to potentially help you lose weight and take stress off your spine.

Your treatment may look very different if a problem like a herniated disc or scoliosis is to blame for your stenosis. This doesn’t mean that your provider will jump right to a corrective procedure, but you may need more hands-on care or targeted non-operative treatments. Physical therapy, bracing, activity modification and anti-inflammatory medications are all options alongside the previously mentioned treatments, and your specific course of care will be decided during a conversation with your spine specialist.

In the rare instances where conservative care fails to provide enough relief, surgery may be an option. A minimally invasive decompression operation can help to artificially create more space within the spinal column for your spinal cord and nerves to pass. These decompression operations tend to be highly successful, but most patients find enough relief through conservative care that surgery can be avoided.

For more information about spinal stenosis and how you can effectively treat the condition, reach out to Dr. Jackman and the team at The Midwest Spine & Brain Institute today at (651) 430-3800.