Standing in one position, such as in line at a checkout will also make their symptoms worse. Some people also develop numbness or tingling in their legs. Lying down or bending backwards also can make their symptoms worse.
Spinal stenosis is caused by a narrowing of your spinal canal. This narrowing can irritate the nerves that travel down your legs. Symptoms are typically worse when you walk. They often get better when you sit down or bend forward.
Heated and cold compresses: A heat compress or a hot shower will help to loosen up muscles, while cool compresses alleviate inflammation. Both can be used as needed in the affected areas. Over-the-counter medications: Pain medications can provide some temporary relief of discomfort, pain and inflammation.
Back stretches: you should avoid stretching forward to try to touch your toes or the floor, because this flexion movement places a lot of pressure on the lumbar discs. Also, any stretches that involve leaning backwards (extension) should be eliminated, because the backwards leaning motion narrows the spinal canal.
Spinal stenosis likely comes and goes due to nerve compression. Although the spinal canal is narrowed with this condition, the spinal structures may not press on spinal nerves. However, if various movements or lifestyle factors lead to nerve compression, the patient will likely experience a flare-up.
Back stretches that involve deep spinal extension or flexion aren't beneficial for spinal stenosis patients. These stretches strain the spinal structures and can increase your pain levels. Cycling in hilly areas or on the uneven ground should be avoided with spinal stenosis.
With severe spinal stenosis, the spinal canal has narrowed to a considerable degree. As a result, patients with the severe form of this condition may experience a significant loss of function, potentially including bladder and/or bowel function.
Movements to Consider. While you may be intimidated by all of the exercises you shouldn't do with spinal stenosis, don't make the mistake of not moving at all. Too much bed rest will cause the muscles around the spine to atrophy, which can worsen your range of motion and pain.
Many over-the-counter drugs like ibuprofen work well, but there are prescription medications as well, such as Voltaren (diclofenac) and Naproxin (naproxen).
Massage therapy can also be an effective treatment for the pain and stiffness caused by stenosis. While it doesn't focus on the spine itself, there are numerous different modalities of massage that focus on the back and back muscles.
Walking is a suitable exercise for you if you have spinal stenosis. It is low-impact, and you can easily vary the pace as needed. Consider a daily walk (perhaps on your lunch break or as soon as you get home).
As a result, climbing stairs reduces the amount of space in the spinal canal. This temporarily exacerbates the effects of spinal stenosis, potentially leading to worsened pain and other symptoms. If you've been diagnosed with spinal stenosis, it's wise to keep climbing stairs to a minimum.
In spinal stenosis, people typically experience less pain with leaning forward, and especially with sitting. Studies of the lumbar spine show that leaning forward can increase the space available for the nerves. Pain is usually made worse by standing up straight and walking.
Spinal stenosis symptoms may start slowly and worsen over time. Leg pain may become so severe that walking short distances is unbearable. People with spinal stenosis may experience numbness, weakness or cramping in legs, pain going down the leg, abnormal bowel or bladder function, and loss of sexual function.
Usually, our spine specialists consider surgery only if symptoms such as weakness, numbness, or pain in the arms or legs indicate severe or progressive nerve or spinal cord compression.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) reduce pain and inflammation. Examples of over-the-counter NSAIDs include aspirin, naproxen (Aleve), and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). Analgesics help relieve pain but don't affect inflammation. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is a common analgesic used for spinal stenosis.
Spinal Stenosis
With this condition, it may be preferable to sleep on the sides with the knees curled up (in the fetal position). This helps relieve pressure on the nerve root. Sleeping in a reclining chair or an adjustable bed that allows the head and knees to remain elevated can also relieve pressure on the nerve.
"Unfortunately, nothing can stop the progression of spinal stenosis, since it is due to daily wear and tear," said Dr. Hennenhoefer. "The symptoms of spinal stenosis typically respond to conservative treatments, including physical therapy and injections."
Spinal stenosis is common because osteoarthritis begins to cause changes in most people's spines by age 50. That's why most people who develop symptoms of spinal stenosis are 50 or older. Women have a higher risk of developing spinal stenosis than men.
In the final stages, you will lose control of the bladder and/or bowel, be unable to walk or stand and experience extreme pain or numbness in the lower parts of the body. Your doctor will grade the severity of your spinal stenosis.
Spinal stenosis can result in significant morbidity. Severe disability and death may result from the association of cervical stenosis with even minor trauma resulting in the central cord syndrome. Both upper (cervical) and lower (lumbar) spinal stenosis may result in motor weakness and chronic pain.
When sitting, avoid leaning forward, make sure there is proper lumbar support for the inward curve of the low back, and keep both feet flat on the ground.