Advanced PT: Low Back Spinal Stenosis

Advanced PT: Low Back Spinal Stenosis

HEALTH & FITNESS The Newsletter About Your Health And Caring For Your Body

“Would You Prefer Surgery Or Physical Therapy?” LOWBACK SPINAL STENOSIS

Most commonly occurring in the neck and the lower back, spinal stenosis is the official term for when the openings between the spine’s vertebrae become too narrow. For patients with lumbar (lower back) stenosis, the resulting pressure on the spinal cord or the related nerves results in pain and limited range of motion.

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• Low Back Spinal Stenosis • How Physical Therapy Helps Spinal Stenosis • Patient Results • Ideal Protein

HEALTH & FITNESS The Newsletter About Your Health And Caring For Your Body

“Do You Know What Causes Spinal Stenosis?” LOWBACK SPINAL STENOSIS

In addition, lumbar spinal stenosis sufferers can experience some form of tingling and weakness in their legs, and lower back. Often, walking for more than a short distance, or standing for extended periods, becomes almost impossible. Depending on where the pressure points occur, bowel and bladder problems may even become an issue. Basic aging is a common, underlying factor for people who develop the narrowing of the openings between their vertebrae. Discs can wear away and flatten with age, leading to a smaller gap through which nerves can pass. In addition, bone spurs that form as a result of osteoarthritis may cause narrowing of the spine. In either case, these age-related disorders put pressure on the spinal nerve.

It is possible for younger adults to also experience spinal stenosis. Poor posture, or certain injuries can lead to the narrowing of the vertebrae, as can disorders affecting joints above or below stenosis areas. Call us today to speak with a physical therapist, or come on in for a free consultation. (316) 283-7187

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Look inside to learn more about our health and fitness programs, and return to a pain-free, active lifestyle!

Exercise Essentials Try these pain relief exercises:

Stretches Stiff Back Muscles

LOWER BACK ROTATIONS Lying on your back with your knees bent, gently rock your knees side-to-side. Perform this 10-15 times in each direction.

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Patient Results

I am no longer in pain!

“Before therapy, I was unable to do my daily activities. The pain was intense. Since therapy, I can now do my normal daily activities. I am no longer in pain. Every time I come to Advanced Physical Therapy, I am more than satisfied with the care and knowledge they have. Thanks again, APT!” - D.B. I can move without any discomfort! “Before therapy, my muscle pain in my lower left back was constant. The pain never ceased. Since therapy, the pain is gone. I can move without any discomfort.” - H.L. Spinal decompression really helped me! “Before therapy, I had bad low back pain. I couldn’t even bend to put my socks on. I couldn’t sit in a vehicle or chair at home without severe pain. Since therapy, my back is much looser and I no longer have pain. Spinal decompression really helped me. My therapy experience was fantastic! Thanks!” - D.M.

Stretches Lower Back

ALT. ARM & LEG LIFTS Start on hands and knees, hips and shoulders at 90°. Lift one arm straight out in front. At the same time, lift opposite leg straight back. Repeat 8 times on both sides. Hold for 3 seconds.

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How Physical Therapy Helps Spinal Stenosis

Unless you have an extremely advanced form of spinal stenosis, your doctor will likely recommend a more conservative approach. Physical therapy is the physician preferred treatment for spinal stenosis. It improves your ability to walk and perform other daily movements—and, most importantly, to eliminate the pain you feel when undertaking those movements. Why does PT work for spinal stenosis? Physical therapy is effective because it provides a multi-dimensional approach to spinal stenosis, addressing both the causes and the effects of the disorder. Flexibility, postural support, and strength-building measures are built into the physical therapy treatment plan for this disorder. Physical therapy uses both joint mobilization and stretching to increase mobility in all of your spinal joints. These flexibility-enhancers allow all of your joints to work at full capacity, taking the pressure off affected areas. In addition, you’ll find it less painful to stand, walk and bend after building up strength in your hips, as well as stabilizing pelvic support, which supports the base of your spine. Strengthening your abs and other muscles in your core will provide better spinal support and stabilization. Avoiding Surgery Studies show that in many cases, physical therapy for spinal stenosis can prevent the need for surgery altogether. If used as a first choice option, it is effective as a pain management tool and helps identify activities to avoid that may be making the symptoms worse. A 2015 study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine followed two groups of patients with lumbar spinal stenosis—one group which had opted for surgery, and one which had gone to physical therapy as the main course of treatment—and found that both groups had similar success rates.

If you’re coping with spinal stenosis and concerned about which course of treatment to undertake, call us today to arrange a consultation. We’ll work with your doctors to ensure that your treatment is the right fit for you. We can help treat your spinal stenosis whether you’re undertaking physical therapy as a first-course option, or as a way to ease the recovery process following spinal stenosis surgery. http://www.moveforwardpt.com/symptomsconditionsdetail.aspx?cid=5e4daaa0-cb21-4eee-8484-e728617397aa http://www.apta.org/PTinMotion/News/2015/4/7/StenosisPTvsSurgery/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25844995

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Do you want a natural solution to improving your health? Gain your freedom from pain medication and avoid costly surgery with physical therapy!

We can help you: Naturally relieve stiffness and swelling. Prevent aches and stiffness. Be more active with your friends and family.

Have more energy. Feel better at work.

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