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Lifestyle and home remedies

By Mayo Clinic staff

For cervical stenosis

  • Apply heat or cold. Some symptoms of cervical spinal stenosis may be relieved by applying heat or cold packs to your neck.
  • Avoid injuries. Take great care to avoid injuries to your head and neck, which could rapidly worsen your symptoms.

For lumbar stenosis

  • Use canes or walkers. In addition to providing stability, these assistive devices can help relieve pain by allowing you to bend forward while walking.
  • Lose excess weight. Extra weight puts additional stress on your joints and bones, particularly those in your lower back.
References
  1. Questions and answers about spinal stenosis. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Spinal_Stenosis/default.asp. Accessed Dec. 21, 2009.
  2. Curlee PM. Spinal stenosis. In: Canale ST, et al. Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics. 11th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/176085454-4/931784364/1584/313.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-03329-9..50044-1--cesec14_2092. Accessed Dec. 21, 2009.
  3. Meleger AL. Cervical stenosis. In: Frontera WR, et al. Essentials of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/177277239-7/935792099/1678/9.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-4007-1..50008-0--cesec8_89. Accessed Jan. 5, 2010.
  4. Bartleson JD (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Jan. 31, 2010.
  5. Isaac Z, et al. Lumbar spinal stenosis. In: Frontera WR, et al. Essentials of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/177277239-4/935690969/1678/49.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-4007-1..50048-1_751. Accessed Jan. 5, 2010.
  6. Spinal stenosis. American College of Rheumatology. http://www.rheumatology.org/public/factsheets/diseases_and_conditions/stenosis.asp. Accessed Dec. 22, 2009.
  7. Cauda equina syndrome. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00362. Accessed Jan. 5, 2010.
  8. Levin K. Lumbar spinal stenosis: Treatment and prognosis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed March 3, 2010.
DS00515 March 11, 2010

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