Spine Stenosis

The MRI showed some degenerative discs in my lower back as well as mild spinal canal stenosis. The doctor said that he was confident in this diagnosis and that I should consider a program of anti inflammatory medicines for pain and also a course of physical therapy to treat the mild spinal canal stenosis. The exercises would help to strengthen my lower back muscles as well as my core stomach muscles. The stronger muscles would allow my body to support itself better and hopefully alleviate some of the pain from the discs.

The mild spinal canal stenosis is a condition that refers to a narrowing of the spinal canal and that may be a condition that I have had my whole life or possible as a result of an injury. They do not know why I have it but now that I have been diagnosed it is important to treat the degenerative discs so as not to put added pressure on the mild spinal canal stenosis condition. I heard them say the word mild and that made me feel a bit better about the diagnosis.

At this point the doctor does not feel that surgery is warranted and he said if the pain becomes to much I could be a candidate fore epidural steroid injections. But for now I should follow the exercises from the physical therapist and also seek treatment with someone in the chiropractic field. The doctor told me that there are specialists who are studying new treatments for back problems and mild spinal cord stenosis and that lasers and other options may become an everyday option at some point.

For the time being I am going to stay with the word mild and do all I can to help my spinal cord and protect the mild spinal canal stenosis so that it does not get any worse. What I do know is that if I do not try to protect and straighten my back muscles I could end up with some major problems as I age. I am still in my 20's and that gives my some time, whereas if I had developed problems in my later years I may not have been able to with stand the physical therapy protocol.

Mild spinal canal stenosis does not have to mean the worst. I have a narrowing of my spinal canal and some disc issues. With exercise and treatment the doctor says I should see some very good results and feel relief from my disc problems and the mild spinal canal stenosis.