If you are coping with a condition called spinal stenosis and can’t seem to relieve your excruciating back pain, all hope is not lost. Although there is no actual cure for this condition, with the combination of medicine, experts and research says that certain exercises to strengthen and maintain a strong back can relieve most back pain and put you in a better position for the future.
Samara’s warning label: seek medical advice about exercise therapy for spinal stenosis before entering a gym. Although I do extensive research and try everything in the gym before recommending it to you ladies, I am no doctor, nor do I try to be. I am here to encourage, support and advise.
With that said, lets try to break down some do’s and don’ts when entering the gym. First off, and most importantly, when attempting to strengthen you back, keep in mind that stability is key. Lifting more weight than your back can securely stabilize will hurt you rather than help you. Think lightweight or no weight until you can do all your sets stabilized. I always tell myself, quality over quantity when trying to balance myself in yoga class, so keep that at the forefront of your mind during workouts.
In addition, when treating spinal stenosis, exercises which encourages forward bending is recommended because flexing your spine in this manner can increase the space in your spinal canal, ultimately relieving some compression on the nerve, which is ultimately the root of your pain.
As is with the case of any spine condition, flexibility is just as important as strengthening. Incorporating doctor approved stretches can really allow you to open up your spine. It can be compared to something liketaking a deep breath of fresh air for your lungs, it will relieve some tension built on your spinal canal and nerves.
Now all is great in the world of spinal stenosis for those who find relief from therapy, but that is not the case for some. Surgery is a last resort for more than one reason. Like I have said before, and will say again, any type of surgery can come with a long list of possible complications, but your spine in particular is a tricky and complex part of your body that can unleash a whole new meaning to complications and strenuous recovery.
When this is your last resort be sure to go over every possibility with your doctor before you commit to the operation. Understand exactly what the procedure entails and exactly what you are looking at in terms of rate of recovery and best and worse case scenario regarding the results. And above all, make sure you are comfortable with your decision because it is your body and your choice.