TREATMENT

In the absence of severe or progressive nerve involvement, a doctor may prescribe one or more of the following conservative treatments:

• Chiropractic care. This may often includes a combination of drugless non-surgical approaches such as spinal manipulation, physical rehabilitation, core strengthening exercises, therapeutic exercises, bracing, nutritional anti-inflammatory approaches as well as various forms of traction and spinal decompression. Chiropractic care may be combined with other forms of therapy as listed below. Spinal manipulation may be contraindicated in cases involving high-grade stenosis and neurological complications.
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin, naproxen (Naprosyn)², ibuprofen (Motrin, Nuprin, Advil), or indomethacin (Indocin), to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
• Analgesics, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), to relieve pain.
• Corticosteroid injections into the outermost of the membranes covering the spinal cord and nerve roots to reduce inflammation and treat acute pain that radiates to the hips or down a leg.
• Anesthetic injections, known as nerve blocks, near the affected nerve to temporarily relieve pain.
• Restricted activity (varies depending on extent of nerve involvement).
• Prescribed exercises and/or physical therapy to maintain motion of the spine, strengthen abdominal and back muscles, and build endurance, all of which help stabilize the spine. Some patients may be encouraged to try slowly progressive aerobic activity such as swimming or using exercise bicycles.
• A lumbar brace or corset to provide some support and help the patient regain mobility. This approach is sometimes used for patients with weak abdominal muscles or older patients with degeneration at several levels of the spine.

PREVENTION

The best way to prevent neck and back pain and to prevent progressive spine compromise is to become familiar with how your spine works and to become an active participant in your spinecare. It is important to learn how to choose a spinecare specialist and to recognize an efficient spinecare team. There are many steps you can take and habits you can develop to better care for your spine and prevent spine injury. It is also important that you learn more about your spine disorder and become aware of the signs and symptoms that warrant intervention and follow up care. Keeping the back healthy and strong helps to stabilize spinal segments and protect the content of the lateral foramen. Early detection and timely intervention is generally associated with better treatment outcome.