Stenosis refers to a degenerative condition that results in narrowing. In the spine, spinal stenosis refers to a narrowing of the spinal canal that squeezes the nerves of the legs and arms. When this occurs, you experience back pain and leg and arm numbness that can ultimately lead to permanent nerve damage if left untreated. If your spinal stenosis becomes severe or if surgery is recommended, your physician may recommend spinal rehabilitation.
Goals
While spinal stenosis rehabilitation cannot reduce spinal canal narrowing, you can perform rehabilitation exercises to build strength in your back. Additionally, spinal stenosis rehabilitation helps to improve flexibility in your back, legs and arms. This is beneficial because spinal stenosis pain can make your muscles tense, which also causes pain. By stretching the muscles, you can reduce your symptoms. If you have undergone spinal stenosis surgery, rehabilitation helps to restore motion and function in your spine.
Core Strengthening
Your core refers to your back and abdominal muscles. When you strengthen your core, your muscles are better able to support your back and take pressure off the spine. Examples of core strengthening exercises include abdominal crunches or bicycle twists, in which you twist your right elbow toward your left knee and vice versa. Rehabilitation exercises to strengthen the back include back extensions in which you lie on your stomach and slowly lift your shoulders and chest -- if possible -- off the floor. You can perform these exercises every other day to strengthen the back.
Flexibility
Flexible muscles tend to be less painful than tight muscles. If you experience spinal stenosis or have undergone spinal stenosis surgery, flexibility exercises include standing with your feet shoulder-width apart and placing your hands on your hips. Lean back slightly, feeling a stretch in your lower back. In addition to stretching your lower back, you also should stretch your hamstrings, which can pull on your lower back muscles and cause pain. One hamstring stretch involves lying on your back and pulling a straight leg toward your chest, feeling a stretch in the back of your leg. Repeat the stretch on the other side, and perform as needed throughout the day to relieve muscle tension.
Walking
Walking is an indicated rehabilitation exercise after surgery or as a conservative treatment. Walking is a low-impact activity that does not place too much strain on your back. It helps to generate circulation throughout your body and lower back and also helps you maintain a healthy weight. If you have trouble walking long distances, try breaking up your walking into shorter time periods. As your spinal stenosis symptoms reduce, you may find you are able to walk longer distances.
