Spinal stenosis in 86 year old Male

Dear Ask The Doctor: My 86 yr old husband has had spinal stenosis foryears and now he has great difficulty walking and keeping his balance. Surgery is not an option. Is there anything that can help him?

Dear Dolores: Patients with spinal stenosis often benefit from conservative treatment such as physical therapy program that includes: flexion exercises that decrease the stress on the spine and increase the size of the spinal canal, stationary cycling, and the use of heat, cold or ultrasound to control the pain, along with anti-inflammatory drugs.

It could be beneficial the use of a rolling walker, which provides some stability and promotes a flexed posture, this allows the patient to walk longer distances.

The local corticosteroid injection may be considered for patients with spinal stenosis who show limited response to oral medication and physical therapy.