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Any exercises actually help with spinal stenosis symptoms?
As I've detailed in a separate thread, I've got severe stenosis at L4/L5 that causes symptoms for the last six months in my left buttock, and sometimes down my left leg a bit, but nowhere else. Pain comes and goes without apparent rhyme or reason.
Epidural injection didn't do much. Surgey is recommended, which I hope to put off until next winter. PT was also mentioned, with docs saying it wouldn't fix anything but MIGHT help a little bit if I'm lucky. For various reasons, I've yet to see a PT person, and also never had much luck with it for other injuries.
In the meantime, are there any specific exercises that other sufferers of lumbar stenosis found helpful in lessening the pain, both in a long term sense and in the moment when the pain is the worst?
If so, I'd like to know what those exercises are. The internet seems divided on which ones to do and which to avoid. Thanks.
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Thank you @dsonderhouse. Much apreciated.
@heycal As I’m not a medical professional I’d explain it as a way to adapt one’s posture to minimize curvature and pinching of discs. Tucking is like squeezing butt cheeks together and under vs. thrusting them back. They’re doing research studies so the method can in the future be approved for insurance coverage. Meanwhile, they depend on book sales and training courses.
@aprilbaker I started with the book and then did a daylong group training class. As one Mayo doc with both an MD and PhD said; “this is the greatest contribution ever made to non surgical back pain treatment.” I’m no doctor but just had good experience and avoided surgery.
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2 ReactionsBest recommendation for spinal stenosis is a structured exercise program with an experienced PT. PT will help you target the muscles that have weakened and instruct in specific exercises that can be strengthened. Core exercises in particular are recommended to help spinal stenosis symptoms. Once you complete a PT exercise program you will have to continue with those exercises for life to maintain the gains. Swimming is also a great core workout as the gravity free water environment supports body weight, reduces spinal pressure and strengthens muscles. It takes time and perseverance to overcome back pain such as yours. Your doctor should be able to recommend an experienced PT and provide a prescription with recommendations. Good luck!
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1 Reaction70 yr ol male here. Spinal stenosis L3-4 for just over a year. Left butt aches with shocks over super pain at various times throughout day when walking. As for tools to help. Hydrate. Before I get out of bed most days I do pt exercises. Then squat at bathroom sink and hold. Also black card member planet fitness. Use red light therapy massage chair and hydro massage 4 times a week regularly. Taking apple cider vinagre daily as well as vit c, d and b vitamins. In other words throwing everything I got at this. Saw surgeon yesterday. Of course he wants to do mild surge. Holding off for now. Feel like I be making healthy healing choices for now. Best to you. Fight. Be assertive. Pray. Use all the tools you can. Be discerning what works and doesn't. Be the scientist.
You might look into RFA (Radiofrequency Ablation). It is a simple procedure and does not involve surgery. You might also try acupuncture. Neither of these have the possibility of damaging you like surgery does. Surgery should always be a last resort.
Good luck!
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2 Reactions@sbcarcht what book???
Search for Gokhale Primal Posture Method’s “Eight Steps to a Pain Free Back.”
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1 Reaction@aprilbaker I did a daylong group training class. I have severe L4/5 stenosis and have avoided surgery for nearly 10 years now.
Has anyone found radiofrequency ablation in reducing pain longer than epidurals?thanks