Spinal stenosis occurs when the space within your spine becomes narrow. Pressure builds on the nerves present within the canal that affects the neck and lower back regions. In this blog, we will discuss the medications used for the treatment of Roswell spinal stenosis.
Your doctor will prescribe medications based on the severity of symptoms.
Table of Contents
Pain Medicines
There are two types, over-the-counter drugs, and prescription medications.
Over-the-counter Pain Medicines
These are readily available in pharmacy stores even without a prescription. Acetaminophen is a pain reliever that your doctor may prescribe. These medicines only reduce pain and are called analgesics. The second group of OTC drugs, called NSAIDs (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), reduces both pain and inflammation. Typical examples are naproxen, ibuprofen, and aspirin.
Prescription Drugs
Celecoxib is a prescription NSAID that your doctor may prescribe.
Please note that NSAIDs are safe if they are used at lower doses and for a short duration. Always discuss the current medications you might be taking with your doctor and give him the complete medical history of any chronic illness. The doctor will provide medicines based on your consultation to prevent cross-reactions or side effects.
Antidepressants
Doctors prescribe antidepressants due to the following reasons:
- To reduce pain and muscle tension.
- To re-establish a healthy sleep pattern.
- To help deal with the emotional and mental toll of pain.
Examples of tricyclic antidepressants used for spinal stenosis are Amitriptyline, Imipramine, Desipramine (Norpramin), and Nortriptyline.
Anti-seizure Drugs
There are two types of pain — musculoskeletal pain and neuropathic pain. A musculoskeletal pain refers to pain in the muscles, ligaments, bones, or tendons, but neuropathic pain is pain due to damage in nerves. The musculoskeletal pain can be relieved by NSAIDs, but neuropathic pain persists even after taking NSAIDs. Neuropathic pain is challenging to treat and requires anticonvulsants. Pregabalin (Lyrica) and Gabapentin (Neurontin) are common anticonvulsant drugs.
Opioids
Codeine-related drugs, oxycodone, and hydrocodone are some of the opioid drugs used for the treatment of spinal stenosis. Doctors tend to avoid prescribing opioids due to their addictive potential and side effects.
Steroid Injections
An epidural steroid injection reduces inflammation pain, but can’t fix the stenosis. Prolonged use or multiple injections can make the nearby bones and connective tissue weak. So doctors inject steroids only a couple of times a year.
Conclusion
Apart from prescribing medications, doctors may refer you to a physical therapist. If these conservative treatments don’t work, you might need surgery.