FINDING RELIEF FROM SPINAL STENOSIS THROUGH PHYSICAL THERAPY?
Up to 8% of people will be diagnosed with spinal stenosis at some point of their lives, and this condition can cause serious day-to-day problems with mobility, comfort, and performing normal activities. When the spinal canal is narrowed, pain, numbness, and weakness in various areas of the body, and even dysfunctions of the bowel or bladder, can result. While some patients with spinal stenosis will need surgery, many individuals are able to avoid an operation using a conservative, noninvasive course of treatment. Physical therapy is highly recommended in this case as a long-term way to increase musculoskeletal function, reduce symptoms, and regain quality of life and independence.
At JAG Physical Therapy, one of the biggest regional names in PT throughout NY, NJ, and PA, our skilled and empathetic therapists have helped countless individuals find relief from spinal stenosis symptoms. We focus on day-to-day, practical symptom management, restoration of function, and supportive movement strategies meant to make a daily routine easier and better even while dealing with spinal stenosis. Schedule your appointment today to get started or read further below on spinal stenosis physical therapy techniques.
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What Is Spinal Stenosis and How Does It Affect Daily Life?
Spinal stenosis is a disease process found in the inner parts of the vertebrae (the bones of the spinal column). “Stenosis” is an Ancient Greek word meaning “narrowing”, so in spinal stenosis, the spinal canal – the passageway for the spinal cord – becomes more tightly closed. This inherently places more pressure on the spinal nerves and can therefore impair their signals in various ways. Symptoms of spinal stenosis typically include back and leg pain, numbness of the limbs, and a subjective feeling of muscle weakness. It is no wonder that many patients who have spinal stenosis report difficulty walking or standing for extended periods and trouble with changing physical positions. These issues in turn adversely impact everyday things like exercise, household chores, and even grooming, dressing, and sleep.
What Causes Spinal Stenosis?
Spinal stenosis can be caused by any number of very different conditions affecting the vertebrae. However, no matter the origin, it usually arises gradually over time. Many of the causes are simply related to aging and the resulting wear and tear on the spine over time. These include degenerative disc disease, damage to the joints between the vertebrae, and osteoporosis-related stress fractures. All of the most common forms of arthritis, like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, could also lead to spinal stenosis, as could prior injuries, bone spurs, and spinal surgery. Even benign tumors of the spine can be a cause, as can spondylolisthesis (displacement of a vertebra).
Physical therapy offers a proven, non-invasive way to reduce spinal stenosis symptoms and improve everyday movement and comfort.
How Can Spinal Stenosis Physical Therapy Help Manage Symptoms?
When used as a non-surgical treatment for spinal stenosis, physical therapy usually focuses on improved, safer movement with less discomfort. Your physical therapist may recommend exercises that aim to increase core strength and spinal flexibility, correct your posture, and/or retrain your lower body movement mechanics, depending on your specific condition and needs. While the physical condition of your spinal column will not change, you will be much more able to deal with symptoms and potentially reduce your degree of pain, weakness, or other issues over time.
What Types of Physical Therapy Techniques are Commonly Used for Spinal Stenosis?
No two cases of spinal stenosis are exactly alike, given the wide range of possible causes and potential symptoms. This means that every patient’s physical therapy plan will be unique and based on their personal needs. However, some common methods that most people will use include exercises such as targeted strengthening for both the core muscles and the legs and flexibility training for the back. Advice on maintaining correct posture and sitting, standing, or walking with proper body mechanics in mind can also have a big impact in the long run. This can also extend to movement strategies for everyday tasks – this is ideal for meeting specific recovery goals, such as climbing multiple flights of stairs without exhaustion or taking part in a hobby like woodworking without fear of excessive pain or numbness.
How Does Physical Therapy Support Walking Tolerance and Who Can Benefit From Care?
One of the main problems faced by those with spinal stenosis in daily life is a lack of endurance for standing or walking. This is primarily due to the neuromuscular sensations in the legs – pain, numbness, or a combination – that spinal stenosis tends to cause. With physical therapy, patients can begin practicing adaptive movement techniques and exercises to build stamina in a safe clinic environment, then continue to use these methods at home. Over time, this allows the lower body to become acclimated to prolonged movement even with the effects of spinal stenosis.
Many people who have been diagnosed with spinal stenosis stand to benefit a great deal from a targeted physical therapy program. Those with mild to moderate spinal stenosis symptoms may be able to achieve enough relief that they will not need surgery for this issue. Patients who would prefer a conservative approach to care, those who are recovering from a spinal stenosis operation, and individuals who want to return to a particular activity with reduced discomfort are all also typically well-suited for spinal stenosis PT.
At JAG Physical Therapy, we begin every program of spinal stenosis PT with an evaluation that includes a review of symptoms and medical history, a discussion of lifestyle and day-to-day movement needs, and other assessments that can include gait analysis and core muscle and spine mechanics. With this information in hand, we work with all of our patients to develop a personalized PT care plan, including progressive exercises that target their specific symptoms. We’re also committed to educating our patients on living with spinal stenosis and how to safely continue physical activity while avoiding exacerbating symptoms.
Why Choose JAG Physical Therapy for Spinal Stenosis Care?
At our more than 160 clinic locations around New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania, the JAG PT team provides comprehensive care for spinal stenosis. We use an integrated, patient-centered, and evidence-based approach to combat symptoms and help people return to their routines with more energy and lessened pain, weakness, and numbness. Our skilled therapists have a great deal of experience in treating spine conditions of all types and are sensitive to the varied lifestyles and needs of all patients. Book an appointment now for your spinal stenosis PT evaluation and get started on the path to managing your symptoms and improving your quality of life.
Visit JAG Physical Therapy for more details or simply contact us. You can book an appointment for an evaluation here.
Learn More About Spinal Stenosis Care at JAG PT
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