Most people with spinal stenosis are able to lead active lives, participating in many of the same work and leisure activities they’ve always enjoyed. However, once someone has been diagnosed with the condition – which is defined as a narrowing within the spinal canal – the reality is he or she must take care not to exacerbate the symptoms. And, depending on the cause of the spinal narrowing, certain physical activity may have to be curtailed altogether. The acceptable activity level will depend on a number of factors, not the least of which is the patient’s overall physical condition.

Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis

Two other major factors determining the amount and type of physical activity possible for a spinal stenosis patient are the nature and severity of the symptoms. Spinal narrowing in and of itself is not necessarily symptomatic, although once again, much depends on the underlying cause of the condition. In general, the real problem for stenosis patients is compression of the spinal cord or spinal nerve roots. When neural tissue comes into contact with bone, ligament tissue, intervertebral disc material, or some other anatomical abnormality, it can produce localized back or neck pain, radiating pain, tingling, numbness, or muscle weakness in the extremities.

There is one more symptom-related factor that can affect a patient’s prognosis for physical activity – the location in the spine of the condition causing the nerve or cord compression. Naturally, nerve compression within the cervical (neck) region will affect a person’s ability to move in a different manner than will compression in the lumbar (lower back) region. Nerve compression in the neck can affect the upper back, the shoulders, the arms, the hands, and the fingers. In the lower back, nerve compression can produce symptoms in the buttocks, the hips, the legs, the feet, and the toes. Understanding this difference can help a patient decide how best to approach physical activity.

What You Should and Should Not Do

Spinal stenosis affects everyone differently. That’s why after the condition is diagnosed, it is vital to consult with a physician or physical therapist to determine how best to preserve as much of an active lifestyle as possible. Remaining sedentary simply is not an option. Inactivity can lead to a worsening of the spinal stenosis symptoms, either directly due to the stiffness and weakened muscles that are a natural result of inactivity, or indirectly by reducing a patient’s ability to maintain a healthy weight.

What a patient should not do is attempt an exercise regimen without consulting a medical professional. In fact, this is true for all forms of physical activity. Before heading out for a round of golf, or getting behind the wheel for an extended road trip, or doing anything that might involve repetitive or explosive movement, check with the doctor to make sure there is no danger of exacerbating the condition.

Again, the importance of maintaining at least some form of physical activity in the face of spinal stenosis cannot be emphasized enough. What the patient must do is work closely with his or her medical advisors to strike a balance between a reasonable amount of physical activity and the natural inclination to avoid activities that might cause more back or neck pain.

Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute specializes in safe and effective outpatient procedures for spinal stenosis and several other spinal conditions.

Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute specializes in safe and effective outpatient procedures for spinal stenosis and other spinal conditions. http://www.laserspineinstitute.com/back_problems/spinal_stenosis

Author Bio: Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute specializes in safe and effective outpatient procedures for spinal stenosis and several other spinal conditions.

Category: Wellness, Fitness and Diet
Keywords: Spinal stenosis