Northern PT: Keeping Spinal Stenosis of the Low Back at Bay

Northern PT: Keeping Spinal Stenosis of the Low Back at Bay

Newsletter

Keeping Your Spinal Stenosis At Bay FREE INJURY CONSULT Details Inside

• Keeping Your Spinal Stenosis At Bay • Why Does Physical Therapy Work For Spinal Stenosis?

• Patient Success Spotlight • Free Injury Consultation

Newsletter

Keeping Your Spinal Stenosis At Bay

At our physical therapy clinic, we are experts in treating back pain associated with spinal stenosis. With our natural and safe methods, we relieve your pain, strengthen your body, and get you moving again. Look inside to discover the details on how we can help you. What is 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. 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. What Causes Lower Back Spinal Stenosis? 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. How Physical Therapy Can Help 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.

Call us today to speak with a physical therapist, or come on in for a consultation. (802) 626-4224.

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WHY DOES PHYSICAL THERAPY WORK FOR SPINAL STENOSIS?

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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.

PT 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. PT 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.

Contact Northern Physical Therapy for a pain screening today! Discover the root cause of your problem, before it’s too late!

Northern PT Events

Every Thursday morning from 6:30am - 7:30am our very own Jennifer Legacy-Gray, PT runs a Pilates class at Northern Physical Therapy. This class is FREE, all that we ask is you consider making a food donation. This class is for all abilities.

If you are interested please email Jesse Dimick at [email protected] to reserve a spot!

Exercise Essential

Patient Success Spotlight

PRONE ALTERNATE ARM AND LEG While lying face down and keeping your lower abdominals tight, slowly raise up an arm and opposite leg. Slowly lower and then raise the opposite side. Do not allow your spine to move the entire time. 6 repetitions on each side.

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HELPS FLEXIBILITY

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“I have always had complete pain resolution when I go to Northern Physical Therapy. I have been here a couple of times for different issues and always find relief. The therapists are all great and they really care.” “I have been here a couple of times for different issues and always find relief.”

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Come Back In For An Evaluation Whether you want to come in for a check-up, suffered a recent injury or you want to improve your health, you can choose the physical therapy practice you want! Come back to Northern Physical Therapy for a consultation today!

Healthy Recipe

Good For A FREE Injury Consultation Beat Aches & Pains!

INSTRUCTIONS Whisk juice, vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil and sambal oelek (if using) in a large bowl. Add cabbage, peas, chicken, mango, mint and scallions; toss gently to coat. Serve the salad sprinkled with sesame seeds. INGREDIENTS • ⅓ cup orange juice • 3 tablespoons rice vinegar • 3 tablespoons less-sodium soy sauce • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil • 2 teaspoons sambal oelek (optional) • 6 cups thinly sliced napa cabbage • 2 cups sugar snap peas, thinly sliced diagonally • 2 cups shredded chicken breast • 1 medium mango, sliced • ½ cup coarsely chopped fresh mint • ¼ cup sliced scallions • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds CRUNCHY CHICKEN & MANGO SALAD

Mention or bring in this coupon for a FREE Consultation with one of our physical therapy specialists! • Recent injury • Nagging aches and pains at work • Back and neck pain • Joint pain and movement problems • Walking or balance difficulties while working

CALL TODAY! (802) 626-4224