How to benefit from Exercise with Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

How to benefit from Exercise with Lumbar Spinal Stenosis


What is Lumbar Spinal Stenosis?


The lumbar spine is located on the lower back consisting of five vertebrae, it is between the ribs and pelvis. Lumbar Spinal Stenosis (LSS) is the narrowing of the open spaces in the spinal canal, compressing on the nerves and vessels traveling through the lower back into the legs. From this comes symptoms of pain, weakness, and numbness known as neurogenic claudication. All of this often leads to a more sedentary lifestyle and loss of independence in the aging population. For a visual representation you can watch this Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Video.


  • In the United States, LSS affects more than 250,000 people typically 60 years old and older. LSS is considered to be the most common reason for spinal surgery in patients greater than 65 years old. 33-50% of mild to moderate LSS patients may not produce symptoms.


  • Diagnosis of LSS is found based on history, symptoms, physical examinations, and test results. Imaging studies that are used to confirm LSS include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), or X-ray. 


How can exercise help?


Physical therapy is shown to improve pain level and body function on adult patients diagnosed with lumbar spinal stenosis. Stretching and strengthening the muscles around the lumbar spine to help take the pressure off of the area. Also strengthening other muscles such as the core will help with the engagement of stability. To obtain maximum benefits, patients should engage in supervised and intensive exercise programs twice a week

If patients engage themselves in exercises as done in physical therapy, they will be on the right track in making a significant impact to their body, and reduce/ take away the need for surgery. Exercise is medicine, it increases blood flow (oxygen and nutrients) to the back. Despite improving pain level and body function, exercise can improve mood disturbance, anger, depression, anxiety, low back pain intensity, trunk muscles strength in flexion, low back related disability, and kinesiophobia. Exercise is also a cheaper option than surgery and medications that can be high in cost. Lastly, exercise is overall good to help maintain a healthy weight, extra load on the back can lead to an increase of back and leg pain.


Types of exercises?


Physical therapists find positive results when incorporating flexibility, stabilization, strengthening, heat/ice, acupuncture and joint mobilizations for patients with LSS. Intensity varies upon each patient’s capacity. Exercises to be implemented include mortified progressions of:



  • Superman’s

  • Hip raises

  • Leg raises

  • Squats

  • Hip abduction










Other resources:






Holly Larson is an undergraduate student in the Movement Science, Sport and Leisure Studies Department at Westfield State University, with a concentration in Sports Medicine. She is a member of American College of Sports Medicine and her most recent research has been on “The Effects of Physical Therapy on Adults with Lumbar Spinal Stenosis.” Holly can be reached at hlarson5752@westfield.ma.edu





References:

•   Marchand, A. A., Suitner, M., O'Shaughnessy, J., Châtillon, C. É., Cantin, V., & Descarreaux, M. (2019). Feasibility of conducting an active exercise prehabilitation program in patients awaiting spinal stenosis surgery: a randomized pilot study. Scientific reports, 9(1), 12257. doi:10.1038/s41598-019-48736-7


•   Minetama, M., Kawakami, M., Teraguci, M., Kagotani, R., Mera, Y., Sumiya, T., Nakagawa, M., Yamamoto, Y., Matsuo, S., Sakon, N., Nakatani, T., Kitano, T., & Nakagawa, Y. (2020). Therapeutic Advantages of Frequent Physical Therapy Sessions for Patients with Lumbar Spinal Stenosis. Spine Journal, 45(11), E639-46. doi:10.1097/BRS.0000000000003363


•   Diwan, S., Sayed, D., Deer, T. R., Salomons, A., & Liang, K. (2019). An Algorithmic Approach to Treating Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: An Evidenced-Based Approach. Pain Medicine, 20(Supplement_2), S23-S31. doi: 10.1093/pm/pnzz133 

Comments

Post a Comment