Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Exercises

The spinal canal runs through the vertebrae and contains the nerves supplying sensation and strength to the legs. Between the vertebrae are the inter vertebral discs and the spinal facet joints. With age, the discs and joints become less spongy and less fluid, leading to back muscle pain. The bones and ligaments of the spinal facet joints can thicken and enlarge due to arthritis, and thus push into the spinal canal causing the narrowing of the lumbar spinal canal. The condition is also known as spinal stenosis.

Spinal stenosis results in activity avoidance. This results in reduced flexibility, lowered strength and diminished cardiovascular endurance. Lumbar spinal stenosis exercises for back pain, especially the chronic lower back pain exercises, usually begin with stretching exercises to restore flexibility to back muscles.

You should stretch frequently to maintain flexibility. Cardiovascular exercise, such as stationary bicycling or walking on a treadmill, may be added to build endurance and improve circulation to the nerves. Improved blood supply to the nerves may assist in relieving back pain from spinal stenosis. For further details, read Advice On Spinal Stenosis.

Exercises to strengthen back muscles to relieve back pain include exercises for the muscles of the back, abdomen, and legs and are to be followed along with lumbar spinal stenosis exercises. Your therapist may advise you on how best to incorporate maintenance exercises for lower back pain into your life, either at home using simple equipment or at a fitness facility. For some individuals with spinal stenosis, home low back pain treatment is a better option. Strategies for pacing activities and conserving energy may be reviewed and remodeled. Walking aids, such as canes and walkers, may also be recommended.