Studies show that over 47% of American seniors over the age of 60 seek spinal stenosis treatment.
Medically speaking, spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the space between your spine that pressurizes the nerve roots. The symptoms of the condition include numbness, tingling, and weakness in your arms and legs. And, most people experience the condition in their lower back and neck.
Living with spinal stenosis is extremely difficult and painful. Fortunately, physical therapies, medications, injections, and surgeries can help curb the symptoms. You can click cedaorthopedicgroup.com to learn more about how physical therapists can help you heal.
Therefore, if you are diagnosed with spinal stenosis, you should know that certain activities might be hindering the healing process. These activities or exercises may even give birth to new back-related issues such as spondylitis, herniated disk, and many more, making things a lot worse for you. And you wouldn’t want to deal with that, right?
Read on to learn more about the activities you should be avoiding with spinal stenosis to maintain your spine’s health.
• Extensive stretching
Although recommended exercises can help you treat spinal stenosis- a vigorous exercise routine can take you a step further.
For this, make sure you refrain from stretching while standing as it may contribute to spinal stress and pressure. It would also be best to avoid extension stretches and bending backward. While such exercises may improve flexibility but could exacerbate symptoms for people diagnosed with spinal stenosis.
Instead, try to stretch while sitting or laying down to avoid additional spinal pressure. Medical experts at a pain management clinic recommend knee stretches and other flexion exercises to manage pain and relieve symptoms.
• Lifting heavy objects
Lifting heavy weights and objects are one of the prominent causes of back pain, posing the risk of conditions such as spinal stenosis. Whenever you lift something heavy, it adds extensive pressure to your back’s muscles and ligaments, contributing to your back pain.
It is recommended for spinal stenosis patients to avoid lifting heavy objects. But even if you have to, it is important to use proper techniques whether you are exercising with heavy weights or lifting objects. Also, make sure to use your legs and knees and support the object’s weight.
• Household Chores
Certain household chores such as cleaning and gardening can take a toll on your back, facilitating the painful spinal stenosis symptoms. If left ignored, strained or pressured muscles could lead to additional issues such as herniated disc, spinal osteoarthritis, and other chronic conditions.
So, make sure you take precautions while performing your household chores. For instance, you can opt for a smart home cleaner with programmable controls and cleaning routines to keep the floors clean. You can also associate with professionals who can help you maintain your garden until you are all healed up.
In conclusion
Stenosis symptoms can hinder your lifestyle, tarnishing the overall quality of life. However, opting for a pain management treatment can help you get through the process without any hassle. All you need to do is take preventive measures and avoid the activities mentioned above to maximize your recovery chances.
