Are you someone whose back hurts to walk? Hurt to the point that you cannot walk unless bent over. Hurt to the point that you just don’t want to walk. Know that this is common issue for many individuals.
Sitting tends to feel best for these individuals. In fact, the pain one feels walking tends to go away almost instantly upon sitting. What happens as a result is these individuals prefer to stay sitting much more than being on their feet because it feels better. This sitting though does not help improve walking tolerance though.
The condition described here is spinal stenosis. This is a narrowing of the spinal canal as the body ages, though some are affected while others not. Some individuals may also deal with symptoms that travel into 1 or both legs as well.
What happens over time with this condition is the person develops an intolerance for standing. They may initially be able to tolerate say 30 minutes on their feet before symptoms begin. Over time it can progress to 15, 10, or even 5 minutes before back and/or leg pain starts. Then as a result of more sitting vs being active, is stiffness in the spine and hips as well as weakness of back and hip muscles. Altogether these issues create a downward spiral from which it can be quite challenging to get active again. Often these events happen very slowly until the point where the individual will finally see a physician. Unfortunately, many physicians will say there is nothing that can be done except for injections or surgery.
HOWEVER, if a person is willing to work a bit, and the condition has not deteriorated too much there are good treatment options. Treatment includes hip and back mobility work plus strengthening for the abs, back and hip muscles. Working to improve mobility and strength is critical for the chance of long-term success. If a person can improve in these areas, it is possible to then increase standing and walking tolerance again.
In the end more invasive interventions may need to happen, but wouldn’t it be nice to put that off as long as possible…especially in light of the fact that surgery is no guarantee of success. And even if it seems successful at 1st it may not work long-term. Data from a 10-year study from Dartmouth indicates a highly likelihood for the need for further surgery after that 1st one. And here is the thing, the chance for success or need for further surgery is not as often discussed as it should be.
Tired of back pain preventing you from walking and being active? Not excited to consider surgery?
The click the following LINK to request a no-obligation consult with an expert to see if you can get moving again without the need for meds, injections, or surgery.