I don't have it, but do have spinal stenosis, so these are kind of random thoughts. First, there is a definite difference between acupuncture and dry needling. Would dry needling and other PT therapies like Graston help relax the muscles and thus free up the joint a bit? My go to medicine when needed is Arthrotec. The doctors seem to favor Celebrex or Meloxicam, but for me the Arthrotec works best and doesn't disrupt my sleep.
In dealing with this, I have found a great variance in the ability of physicians and physical therapists and I have fairly good ones now, though their weakness is feet, but that is off topic.
If you are near a major city, perhaps find a practice which is associated with a major sports team; I have found these sometimes the best.
One specialty to consider, often associated with orthopedic practices, is a
physiatrist. (Careful in google searches with the spelling, otherwise psychiatrists are brought up!). Like all medical folks, their ability varies, but their emphasis is away from surgery.
https://www.pennmedicine.org/for-pat...0and%20muscles.
When I lived out west, I went to a practice associated with a major sports team. The physiatrist sent me to one specific physical therapist who specialized in spines - it was where she sent the professional athletes, he was great. (And he accepted my insurance!!)
And while cortisone injections are not without some risk and side effects (make me irritable for a day or two), I have found just one for the stenosis will reduce the inflammation enough to let me get on with my life.
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