The severity of spinal stenosis is contingent on the level of pain or disability a patient experiences. Many patients live with the narrow spinal canal for years without symptoms according to D.L. Snyder and colleagues in a study reported in American Family Physician in 2004. Many moderate and severe cases require surgical intervention at some point in time. Exercise programs are used in preventative and rehabilitative treatments of spinal stenosis.
Defining Moderate and Severe
Each person has a different pain tolerance level, making the pain associated with stenosis only one component involved in defining the case. As a person experiences more pain, the level of inactivity increases. Also significant to measuring the severity of spinal stenosis is the level of disability related to nerve impairment. If the stenosis is severe enough, pressure on nerves leads to other problems. Patients may lose feeling in their arms or legs, lose motor control and possibly even bladder control.
Diagnosis
Before you can start an exercise program for moderate or severe spinal stenosis, get a proper diagnosis from your doctor. Doing exercises prior to treating certain underlying conditions such as degenerative disc issues or bone spurs can lead to further pain and disability. Wait until your doctor gives you the approval to start a rehabilitation or prevention exercise program.
Aerobics
For some patients, getting up and moving around at all may be difficult because of the pain of stenosis. Doing some form of aerobic activity helps keep extra weight off, reducing stress on the back according to the MayoClinic.com. Walking around the block is a suitable activity, even if you must use a cane or walker for extra support. Swimming, pool activities and cycling are recommended low-impact activities for patients healthy enough to do them. Low-impact activities are ones that don't involve bouncing or sudden stops and starts, all of which place additional strain on the spine.
Mobility and Stability
The spine is designed to support your body through movements, whether sitting or standing. Those with severe spinal stenosis need to maintain mobility in the spinal column through stretching. Additionally, increasing the muscles supporting the spine help prevent injuries such as herniated discs that may affect stenosis patients more extremely than other patients since there is less space for the spine to adjust according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
Laying on the floor and bringing your knees to your chest helps lengthen the lower spine without putting stress on your back, which is what happens when touching your toes while bending over. Alternating one knee to the other stretches the spine. Kneeling on the floor and reaching forward with your hands stretches the upper and lower back. Neck flexion and extension stretches the upper neck. Using your hands to oppose the flexion or extension creates resistance and builds strength.
Considerations
Stenosis is a condition that can not be cured. Certain surgical procedures can open specific nerve root channels and alleviate some nerve pressure. In some cases, stenosis is referred to as "creeping paralysis" because as other conditions such as arthritis and osteoporosis occur, patients experience more symptoms, pain and disability. Talk to your doctor if any new symptoms appear or pain increases to discuss pain management, physical aids and support groups.
