Definition & Overview
Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spaces within your spine, which can put pressure on the nerves that travel through the spine. It occurs most often in the lower back and the neck.
Some people with spinal stenosis may not have symptoms. Others may experience pain, tingling, numbness and muscle weakness. Symptoms can worsen over time.
Spinal stenosis is most commonly caused by wear-and-tear changes in the spine related to osteoarthritis.
Symptoms
- Numbness or tingling in a foot or leg
- Weakness in a foot or leg
- Pain or cramping in one or both legs when you stand for long periods or walk (usually eases when you bend forward or sit)
- Back pain
Causes
The backbone (spine) runs from your neck to your lower back. Most spinal stenosis occurs when something happens to narrow the open space within the spine. Common causes include:
Overgrowth of bone: Wear and tear damage from osteoarthritis on your spinal bones can prompt the formation of bone spurs, which can grow into the spinal canal.
Herniated disks: The soft cushions that act as shock absorbers between your vertebrae tend to dry out with age. Cracks in a disk's exterior may allow soft inner material to escape and press on nerves.
Spinal injuries: Car accidents and other trauma can cause dislocations or fractures of one or more vertebrae.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the location of the stenosis and the severity of your signs and symptoms.
If symptoms are mild, your doctor may monitor your condition. Self-care tips, medications, or physical therapy may be recommended. Surgery is an option if other treatments haven't helped.
Exercise Program for Spinal Stenosis
- Lie on your back.
- Bring your knee toward your chest.
- Using your hands, gently pull your leg in until you feel a comfortable stretch.
- Hold for 10 seconds, then return leg to floor.
- Repeat with the other leg.
- Repeat on each leg 3 to 5 times.
- Finally, hold both legs together for 10 seconds (Repeat 3-5 times).
- Lie on your back with knees bent and feet flat on the floor.
- Contract abdominal muscles and rotate knees to one side.
- Hold for 3 to 5 seconds. (You will feel a gentle stretch in hips/back).
- Rotate knees to the other side.
- Repeat up to 10 times on both sides.
- Lie on your back with feet flat on the floor.
- Exhale and contract abdominal muscles, pushing your belly button toward the floor to flatten your low back.
- Hold the position for 5 seconds.
- Repeat 10 times.
