Physical Therapy Exercises for Spinal Stenosis
The narrowing of the spinal canal creates pressure on the nerves, and this results in spinal stenosis. This is a severe and complicated problem, which might lead to pain and discomfort. In order to get relief from the pain, physical therapy is the ideal solution ensuring faster and longer lasting results. There might be different types of spinal stenosis ranging from those caused by osteoarthritis, injury or aging. There are a number of physical therapy exercises that can be performed at this stage to obtain relief from the symptoms of spinal stenosis. It not only reduces pain, but also allows the patient to gradually return back to normal activities.
Common Physical Therapy Exercises
If you are suffering from spinal stenosis, you should keep in mind that the most important thing for you to do in order to get relief from the pain is to approach a reliable physical therapy center, and talk to an expert. Your condition will be thoroughly examined, before the physical therapist recommends any kind of physical therapy. It is on the basis of the symptoms and diagnosis that the ideal exercises are determined.
Physical therapy exercises for spinal stenosis include those for strengthening of the lower limbs, for stabilization of the lower back, stretching exercises that can reduce stress on joints, and aquatic exercises.
Treatment of Severe Conditions
In fact, the exercises for physical therapy are largely determined on the basis of the severity of the symptoms. Some of the common exercises might include:
- Flexing your spine- In this case, you stretch the muscles of the lower back. This in turn, might increase the passageway of the nerves and reduce the pain.
- Knees to chest- This exercise stretches your hip and lower back muscles, and relieves the pressure on the spinal nerves.
- Rotating the trunk- This is also another important exercise in physical therapy that would increase the flexibility in your hips and lower back.
Benefits of Physical Therapy Exercises for Spinal Stenosis
Physical therapy exercises help increase the blood flow to the spine, supplying the much needed oxygen and nutrients while removing any toxic metabolites. These exercises would help improve and maintain flexibility, and at the same time strengthen the muscles around the spine. With the muscles strengthened, pressure on the bones and other static structures in the back is relieved. Physical therapy exercises can also help you maintain a healthy weight, preventing back pain.