Recovery & Support for Spinal Stenosis

Doctors at NYU Langone realize that chronic back and neck pain associated with spinal stenosis can have an enormous effect on your life. Our specialists provide a variety of services to help you recover after treatment.

Physical Therapy

Whether you’ve had nonsurgical or surgical treatment, physical therapy is an important part of recovery from spinal stenosis. As you’re healing, experts at NYU Langone’s Rusk Rehabilitation help you increase flexibility and strengthen muscles surrounding the spine.

Strong back and neck muscles support the spine and act as a built-in brace. The stronger they are, the less stress is put on the vertebrae and joints affected by spinal stenosis. This protects the spine from further damage and helps you remain active.

Our physical therapists and physiatrists—doctors who specialize in rehabilitation medicine—can help you incorporate simple stretching and strengthening exercises into your daily routine. This can help you maintain a healthy back for the long term.

Mind–Body Wellness

Physicians and therapists at NYU Langone offer programs and services designed to help you feel better in mind and body, especially if you’ve experienced frequent pain from spinal stenosis. These integrative therapies include massage, acupuncture, acupressure, and meditation. Low-impact exercise such as tai chi, in which simple body positions are held for varying periods of time, may relieve stress and enhance wellbeing.

Psychotherapy is available for people who experience symptoms of depression or anxiety associated with back pain or its treatments. If necessary, doctors can prescribe medication to ease symptoms.

Tobacco Cessation

The nicotine in cigarettes has been proven to have a direct negative effect on bones and their ability to heal. NYU Langone doctors strongly urge smokers to quit. Additionally, some insurance plans may not cover the cost of surgery unless you quit smoking.

Our doctors and therapists understand that giving up smoking is not easy, and offer support through NYU Langone’s Tobacco Cessation Programs.