Back pain may have a variety of symptoms. It may be challenging to diagnose and require various treatment choices with different risks and advantages if you have a back condition. Because of this, there are several myths and misconceptions concerning spinal stenosis Eugene, many of which may lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms and extended healing durations.
You can’t afford to take any chances on your back. One wrong move can affect the rest of your life. As such, if you are experiencing spinal stenosis, you should know several myths that could cloud your judgment.
Surgery is the only option for treating spinal stenosis.
Spinal stenosis may be treated surgically, although most physicians choose non-invasive methods first. Physical therapy, medicine, strengthening exercises, discography, and steroid injections may all help alleviate the symptoms of this illness. Surgery for spinal stenosis should only be a last resort if all treatment options have failed to alleviate the patient’s symptoms.
You can reduce the stenosis symptoms by forcing yourself to stand up straight
Increasing the strain on your spinal cord by forcing yourself (or someone else) to stand straight might lead to more significant leg weakness. Instead of strolling more than usual, take a break and let yourself stand as upright as you are comfortable with.
You can treat spinal stenosis permanently with steroid injections
Steroids may provide brief relief for people with severe pain complaints, but they are not effective for everyone. As an anti-inflammatory and pressure reliever, epidural steroids are effective, but repeated injections might gradually damage the bones and connective tissues that surround them in the spine.
It is a waste of time and energy to use a walker
It is possible to relieve strain on the spinal cord and nerves by using a walker or cane. Walking comfortably for an extended time while using a walker, cane, or trekking poles is possible. Fall prevention is another benefit of using these devices. You can discard the walker after your legs have regained their strength.
Patients with spinal stenosis who are not experiencing any discomfort should not undergo physical therapy
Spinal stenosis therapy requires a high level of flexibility and physical conditioning. Your doctor will likely recommend physical therapy as part of your treatment even if you have pain symptoms. Patients’ inability to move freely to alleviate their discomfort might exacerbate their overall symptoms.
Spinal stenosis can result in paralysis
The spinal structures are very durable and capable of rapid recovery when adequately cared for. Bony or soft tissue injury may induce spinal stenosis, such as a fracture in the spine or damage to the spinal discs, nerve roots, or ligaments. Notably, there must be a significant decline or loss of neural transmission of sensory and motor impulses in the sensitive interior tissues of the spine, such as the spinal cord or cauda equina (a collection of spinal nerves descending from the spinal cord).
Spinal stenosis is a condition that affects many people, but most don’t know what it is all about. They end up with the wrong information, which can be detrimental to their efforts of seeking treatment. As such, it is always a good idea to educate yourself on what is true and what is false. You can also consult with a spine specialist before making any decision.
