Spinal Stenosis Medications
There are many medications that help spinal stenosis. These may be non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), analgesics, muscle relaxants, anticonvulsants, antidepressants, corticosteroids, and opioids. Let’s explore them one by one. (7)
NSAIDs
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are often prescribed to treat the pain associated with spinal stenosis. NSAIDs work by reducing inflammation and pain. There are several different types of NSAIDs available, including over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen and naproxen, as well as prescription medications such as celecoxib and etoricoxib.
In a randomized, double-blind study, celecoxib was found to be more effective than placebo for the treatment of spinal stenosis. In the study, 136 patients with spinal stenosis were randomized to receive either celecoxib 200 mg per day or placebo for 12 weeks. The intial outcome measure was change in the North American Spine Society (NASS) clinical overall assessment score from baseline to week 12. At week 12, the mean NASS clinical overall assessment score was 6.8 in the celecoxib group and 9.0 in the placebo group, a difference that was statistically significant. In addition, pain intensity and function improved significantly more in the celecoxib group than in the placebo group. These results suggest that celecoxib may be an effective treatment for spinal stenosis.
NSAIDs are generally safe and don’t cause side effects when used as directed. However, they can have side effects such as stomach upset, heartburn, diarrhea, and bleeding ulcers. If you are taking an NSAID for spinal stenosis, be sure to follow the instructions your doctor gives you.
Analgesics
Medications that may be prescribed for spinal stenosis include analgesics, which help to reduce pain. Several types of analgesics are available, and each works differently. Your doctor will prescribe the best medication for you based on your individual needs.
Some people find over-the-counter analgesics medications like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve) helpful, while others need prescription medications – strong painkillers – like opioids. What works best for one person may not work for another, so it’s important to talk to your doctor about what might be the best option for you.
Opioids are a type of medication that is often used to treat chronic pain. For people with spinal stenosis, opioids may be a good option to help relieve pain. However, it is important to work with a doctor to find the right dosage and type of opioid for each individual. Some people may find that opioids help relieve pain symptoms, while others may not experience any relief. It is important to talk to a doctor if you are taking opioids for spinal stenosis, as there may be other treatments that could provide relief from pain.
Muscle relaxants
Muscle relaxants are commonly prescribed to help relieve pain and stiffness in people with spinal stenosis. These medications work by relaxing the muscles and reducing the muscle spasms around the spine. This in turn allows the spinal canal to open up, which relieves pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. Muscle relaxants can be taken orally or injected directly into the spine.
There are a few different muscle relaxants that can help with spinal stenosis. Baclofen is one such medication that has been shown to be effective in treating the condition. It helps to relieve pain, improve function, and reduce the need for surgery. Other medications that may be helpful include tizanidine and diazepam.
Tizanidine or other muscle relaxants may be prescribed along with other treatments, such as physical therapy and exercise. It can take several weeks or months for tizanidine to start helping to relieve symptoms, but it may be worth trying if other treatments haven’t worked. However, speak with your neurophysician is important to find out which medication is best for you.
Anticonvulsants
Anticonvulsants are medications that are used to treat seizures. They are also sometimes used to treat other conditions, such as pain and burning sensations in spinal stenosis. They help to relieve pain and inflammation caused by spinal stenosis. They also help to reduce muscle spasms in the spine.
These medications work by blocking certain nerve signals in the body. This can help reduce pain and other symptoms. Some of the anticonvulsants that may be used to treat spinal stenosis include gabapentin (Neurontin), pregabalin (Lyrica), and carbamazepine (Tegretol). Anticonvulsants Anticonvulsants are usually prescribed along with other treatments, such as physical therapy and epidural injections. They can help to improve function and quality of life for people with spinal stenosis.
Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant that is primarily used to treat nerve pain associated with spinal stenosis. Some people with spinal stenosis find that this medication helps relieve their pain. Gabapentin does not work for everyone, and it can have some side effects. Talk to your doctor if you are thinking about trying gabapentin for your spinal stenosis.
Antidepressants
One common treatment for spinal stenosis is antidepressant medication. Antidepressants may help relieve pain in people with spinal stenosis by blocking certain chemicals in the brain that contribute to pain. They may also improve mood and sleep quality, which can also help reduce pain. A recent study found that people with spinal stenosis who took SSRIs (a type of antidepressants) had less pain and improved function compared to those who didn’t take ssris.
If you are suffering from spinal stenosis, talk to your doctor about whether antidepressant medication could help you. Several types of antidepressants are available, so you may be able to find one that works well for you. Antidepressants can have side effects as well, so it’s important to weigh the benefits and risks before starting treatment.
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids are a class of medications that have been used to treat a variety of conditions, including spinal stenosis. Corticosteroids are effective in reducing inflammation, which is thought to be the main cause of symptoms in spinal stenosis.
Prednisolon is a corticosteroid prescribed to individuals with spinal stenosis. It helps to reduce inflammation and improve the individual’s symptoms. Prednisolon may be prescribed in pill form or as an injection.
Corticosteroids may also help to improve nerve function and reduce pain. However, there is limited evidence on the use of corticosteroids for spinal stenosis, and more research is needed to determine the best way to use these medications for this condition.