What is the best non-surgical treatment for spinal stenosis in Hertfordshire & Bedfordshire?

What is the best non-surgical treatment for spinal stenosis in Hertfordshire & Bedfordshire?

Are you weighing up the best non-surgical treatment for spinal canal stenosis and you live in Hertfordshire or Bedfordshire? You’re in the right place. Below is a clear guide for you using to help you understand what your treatment options for Stenosis are—so you know your next right step.

What is spinal stenosis (in plain English)?

Spinal canal stenosis means the space around the spinal nerves has narrowed. When space gets tight, nerves get irritated. Typical signs include:

• Aching or sharp back/buttock pain that can run into the leg

• Tingling, pins & needles, burning or numbness

• Heavy/tired legs and reduced walking distance (often easier when you sit or lean forward) You may have noticed you're leaning forward more to relieve pressure and pain. 

  More information on treatment for Stenosis

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Diagnosis Spinal Stenosis

Before considering treatment options we need to be clear about your condition. An MRI is how we get clear. 

If you don't have a scan yet, or it is 2yrs old or more I can refer you using our rapid referral for a rate £295 and the results come back for explanation usually in 1 week or less. 

The non-surgical “treatment ladder”

Think of care in steps.

You don’t have to start at the top—least invasive first usually wins and what you may prefer. 

Here's some tips to try and help settle your symptoms:

Step 1: Settle and support (early phase)

• Keep gently active (no bed rest). Switch positions regularly: small spells of lying, sitting and little walks within comfort.

• Don’t overdo it—skip hard gym work and deep backbends while it’s irritated.

• Short-term medication (via your GP/pharmacist) can help you sleep and take the edge off pain.

• A lumbar support belt can help when you’re out and about (not for resting).

• Gentle hands-on care (physio/osteopathy/chiropractic/massage/acupuncture) can calm tissues and coach you on pacing. 

Step 2: Targeted rehab (when symptoms are recurring or lingering)

• Flexion-biased mobility (small knee-to-chest, flexion chair stretches).

• Hip mobility + glute strength to offload the back.

• Short-burst walking (e.g., walk → sit → walk), or static bike if walking distance is short.

• Posture strategies (a slight forward-lean often gives relief).

• Simple nerve-glide drills when appropriate (taught, not self-guessed).

  More information on treatment for Stenosis

Step 3: Non-Invasive treatment

Most people I have met (100's over the last decade) want to avoid invasive treatment first before injections and surgery are considered. 

Most people will not have to go down this route so lets consider your options. 

Specialised Treatments for Stenosis: 

1. Shockwave Therapy & Tecar Therapy:

These treatments can be fantastic for spinal stenosis when there’s inflammation build-up in the spine. A short course can help settle down the pain, calm irritated joints and soft tissues, and get you feeling better quickly so you can move into your rehab with less discomfort. It’s delivered on the skin with a handheld applicator, takes only minutes per area, and is paired with gentle activity and pacing.

2. IDD Therapy (Intervertebral Disc Decompression) 

If you want to stay non-invasive and your MRI shows a treatable level, IDD Therapy (Intervertebral Disc Decompression) is a focused, computer-controlled way to gently unload the tight level:

• You lie comfortably supported while the table targets the exact segment shown on your MRI.

• It delivers a precise stretch plus a gentle oscillation (“wiggle”) that encourages fluid back into the disc—helping the segment move and glide with less crowding around the nerve.

• Treatment is done as a course, because nerves and joints change gradually, not overnight.

I would assess you thoroughly to understand the right treatment for you in a Spinal Assessment. We often combine Shockwave/Tecar with IDD therapy to get the best results. 

IDD therapy below: More information on IDD Therapy

Step 4: Invasive Treatments

1. Injections (as a short-term helper, not a fix)

Epidural or nerve-root injections may calm inflammation so you can progress rehab. Useful for some, but not a mechanical fix on their own. Many people I see have tried injections in the past and are looking for a better solution. 

2. Surgery

Surgery is usually last resort. If your MRI/symptoms suggest that's your best solution, I'll recommend a surgical opinion. I can recommend consultants if that's your best option. 

Your Next right step?

If you’re living in Hertfordshire or Bedfordshire and struggling with stenosis  and looking for a non-invasive solution that helps you avoid surgery and get back to living

👉 Click on the link before to find a solution to your pain - either a friendly expect call for more information or if you're ready to book, here's our diary: