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Any exercises actually help with spinal stenosis symptoms?

Posted by heycal @heycal, Mar 14 7:14pm

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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thankful1 | @thankful1 | 5 hours ago
In reply to @sharonba "Best recommendation for spinal stenosis is a structured exercise program with an experienced PT. PT will..." + (show)
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Best 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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@sharonba I love swimming
, but it makes my leg pain worse.

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sharonba | @sharonba | 50 minutes ago
In reply to @thankful1 "@sharonba I love swimming , but it makes my leg pain worse." + (show)
Profile picture for thankful1 @thankful1

@sharonba I love swimming
, but it makes my leg pain worse.

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@thankful1. Dear thankful1, I understand what you are saying about swimming making leg pain worse. Some water exercises are better than others depending on your condition. It may help to discuss why you have leg pain while swimming with an experienced aqua PT who can guide you on what type of water exercise may be right for you. For example, if you have spine pain twisting movements can increase pain, so water exercises that keep your spine straight would be more in keeping with your condition.

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