What is Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis happens when the open space (spinal canal) between the bones of your spine (vertebrae) gets smaller. It is caused by bone pushing into the open spaces of your backbone (spine).

This puts pressure on your backbone and the nerves in your backbone. Treatment often focuses on managing any pain and symptoms. In some cases, surgery may be needed.

Follow these instructions at home:

Managing pain, stiffness, and swelling

• Do all exercises and stretches as told by your doctor.
• Stand and sit up straight (use good posture). If you were given a brace or a corset, wear it as told by your doctor.
• Do not do any activities that cause pain. Ask your doctor what activities are safe for you.
• Do not lift anything that is heavier than 10 lb (4.5 kg) or heavier than your doctor tells you.
• Try to stay at a healthy weight. Talk with your doctor if you need help losing weight.
• If directed, put heat on the affected area as often as told by your doctor. Use the heat source that your doctor recommends, such as a moist heat pack or a heating pad.
  • Put a towel between your skin and the heat source.
  • Leave the heat on for 20–30 minutes.
  • Remove the heat if your skin turns bright red. This is especially important if you are not able to feel pain, heat, or cold. You may have a greater risk of getting burned.

General instructions

• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your doctor.
• Do not use any products that contain nicotine or tobacco, such as cigarettes and e-cigarettes. If you need help quitting, ask your doctor.
• Eat a healthy diet. This includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat (lean) protein.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your doctor. This is important.

Contact a doctor if:

• Your symptoms do not get better.
• Your symptoms get worse.
• You have a fever.

Get help right away if:

• You have new or worse pain in your neck or upper back.
• You have very bad pain that medicine does not control.
• You are dizzy.
• You have vision problems, blurred vision, or double vision.
• You have a very bad headache that is worse when you stand.
• You feel sick to your stomach (nauseous).
• You throw up (vomit).
• You have new or worse numbness or tingling in your back or legs.
• You have pain, redness, swelling, or warmth in your arm or leg.

Summary

• Spinal stenosis happens when the open space (spinal canal) between the bones of your spine gets smaller (narrow).
• Contact a doctor if your symptoms get worse.
• In some cases, surgery may be needed.