Political Analysis and Global Affairs

  There are several non-surgical treatments available for spine-related problems. Here are some of the most common ones: Medication A number of medications can be used to alleviate spinal pain, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or Aleve, muscle relaxants, nerve medications, and opioids (on a case-by-case basis)  1 7 8 . Physical Therapy Physical therapy is often recommended as a first-line treatment for chronic back pain. It involves exercises that are tailored to your specific symptoms and condition, and can help to retrain your posture, strengthen your core muscles, and improve your flexibility and range of motion. Physical therapy can also include inactive therapy such as heat or ice packs, as well as therapeutic exercise 2 6 8 . Aquatic Therapy Aquatic therapy involves exercises that are performed in a pool, which can help to reduce the impact on your joints and spine. It can be especially helpful for people with chronic back pain or those w...

  Physical therapy can be an effective treatment option for managing spinal stenosis-related nerve pain. A physical therapist can help develop an exercise program that focuses on changing the position of your spine to help take the pressure off of the spinal nerves, which can help decrease your pain and improve your overall mobility 1 3 . The exercise program for spinal stenosis typically includes a combination of range of motion, strengthening, endurance, and stability related activities 7 .  Exercises to relieve and treat lumbar spinal stenosis pain are usually flexion-based (forward-bending)  4 .  Flexing the lumbar spine helps to open the spinal canal, which can take pressure off the nerve structures in the lumbar spine 7 .  Some exercises that may be included in a spinal stenosis exercise program include: Sustained lumbar extension: This position gently presses against the soft lumbar discs and nudges them away from your spinal canal 1 . Knee-to-chest stret...