Lumbar Stenosis is where the space within the spinal canal is reduced in your lower back. The reduced space can irritate or compress the spinal cord or exiting nerves. Symptoms can vary from none at all to pins and needles, numbness, pain or weakness in the lower limb. The area affected depends on the level the stenosis in your back.
Some people are born with narrow spinal canals, while for others something needs to happen to narrow the space. Other causes may be:
The following symptoms can happen in one or both legs:
It is common for people with Lumbar Stenosis to reduce exercise to help with pain, however this is counter productive as you also lose strength and increase pain in the long run. Physiotherapy is an effective way to reduce pain and improve mobility with lumbar stenosis. Timely diagnosis and treatment can be vital to improve your long term out look on life.
At Vitalis Physiotherapy, treatment is aimed at stabilising the spinal column and using exercise to unload the spine. This is done through:
Anti-inflammatory and/or analgesic medication, rest and heat packs may help some of the symptoms.
Rarely, untreated severe spinal stenosis may progress and cause permanent:
Are you suffering from painful lumbar stenosis? Contact Vitalis Physiotherapy now to book in your treatment. Call our friendly team on 0410 559 856. We’d love to help.
