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Most common in men and women over the age of fifty, Spinal Stenosis is a narrowing of space in the spine that pinches the cord and nerves and can cause burning sensations and severe pain.
Millions of Americans have spinal stenosis. Do you? Some signs and symptoms.
Pain, burning, or numbness in the back, buttocks, thighs, calves and feet.
Pain that eases when you bend forward or walk uphill.
Pain that increases when you bend backwards or walk.
Pain that eases with rest.
You may have these or other symptoms and there are surgical and non-surgical treatments that may be right for you. Many medical experts recommend a treatment plan centered around strengthening exercises that the patient can do at home. Treatment usually begins with a referral and visit to a rehabilitation center where a specialized exercise program can be monitored by a registered physical therapist.
Improving Your Mobility.
An effective physical therapy program offers proven ways to maintain motion of the spine and exercises that can strengthen the abdominal and back muscles that can help stabilize the spine.
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The following illustrates exercises used as part of a physical therapy program that offers patients effective, non-surgical ways to combat spinal stenosis.
Your physical therapist will teach you the right way to do each exercise so that you maximize your body's ability to stabilize the spine.
Low Back Stretch:
Sit in chair with knees spread apart. Bend forward to floor.
A comfortable stretch should be felt in lower back.
Hold for:
30 seconds
Repeat:
3 times
Sessions:
2 per day
Single Knee to Chest:
Pull one knee to chest until a comfortable stretch is felt in the lower back and buttocks. Repeat with opposite knee.
Hold for:
5 seconds
Repeat:
20 times/side
Sessions:
2 per day
To see all the exercises involved in a typical home exercise program, click here.
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