Do you feel that spinal stenosis slowing you down? Do you experience pain or numbness and tingling with standing and walking that is relieved rapidly upon sitting? Is it hard to walk any distance at all now? Do you feel you can only walk if you are hunched over? If you answered YES to any of these questions then it is probably well past time to do something about it.

But I did not think there was anything that could be done about spinal stenosis? Well, there is nothing that could be done with respect to the age-related changes in the spine other than surgery, but who is excited about that. And not all people would be candidates for surgery anyway. However, there is plenty that can be done to improve walking and activity tolerance.

Oh really, what?

This is where working with a muscle and joint expert will come into play. They will assist improving mobility of the spine and hips as well as strength and endurance. By improving mobility in the spine and hips, the goal is to increase your tolerance for standing and walking. Often people with spinal stenosis struggle with standing/walking due to limited spine/hip capacity for extension. Thus working to improve the spine and hips tolerance for extension will enable greater ability to withstand those activities. And as the tolerance for extension improves, so will the ability to become more active, building strength and endurance. When you combine all those elements, you can regain prior lost function.

But my doctor said there is nothing that can be done so I shouldn’t bother. Well, what do you have to lose by trying? Data suggests addressing the elements mentioned above will provide the individual the best possible change at none surgical improvement. And even if a person underwent surgery, they will benefit from a post-surgery rehab program anyway. So why not start there?

Have questions and want answers? Click this LINK to speak to an expert. Get back to your activity again and do not let spinal stenosis slow you down.