Question 1

is walking a good form of exercise for people with spinal stenosis?

Accepted Answer

Depends: Walking may increase spinal stenosis symptoms because the spine tends to be in a more extended position with walking. If walking causes symptoms, patients may consider biking, where the spine is more flexed.

Question 2

is walking okay for spinal stenosis patients?

Accepted Answer

OK - but not enough: Walking is ok - (better than sitting around). Walking however does not really increase back muscle strength (no challenge to the muscles, you are not going to get a bigger biceps from walking either).  To significantly strengthen the para-spinous muscles (thereby reducing strain on the spinal column), isometric exercises e.g. Swimming, bicycle, rowing machine, yoga) are preferred to just walking.

Question 3

how can i prepare my body  (i'm 68) for a long 9 hour flight and 15 days of walking tours when i have spinal stenosis. when i overdo walking, i suffer?

Accepted Answer

Spinal stenosis: That is a difficult task. Lumbar spinal stenosis causes back and leg pain with walking (neurogenic claudication). Fortunately most walking tours have frequent stops to discuss what you are viewing. Take a cane that folds out into a small stool so you can sit and flex your back to decompress the pinched nerves. Do stretches in the morning and evening. Add ice to the back at night.

Question 4

after two operations my spinal stenosis is finally getting better, the nerves apparently take a long time to heal, will i be able to walk ever again and if so when can i start to get back to walking and how should i go about getting help?

Accepted Answer

: The typical sequence begins with postoperative healing which may depend upon the presence of fusion and the type of instrumentation.  Subsequently, you might start physical therapy within a pool setting, with a gradual transition to a standard facility.  A physiatrist may be an excellent guide for your rehabilitation.

Question 5

spinal stenosis for 2 yrs. ..have developed slight bladder and bowel leakage.  lots of trouble walking.  wondering if it is worse.

Accepted Answer

Spinal stenosis: Yes you are describing what is termed "neurogenic claudication" - this means the stenosis is getting worse. I would see a back surgeon for further evaluation

Question 6

85 yr fem-sharp intermit pain in both thighs, occurring after sitting or walking too long. has spinal stenosis. on warfarin-3.75mg/day possible cause?

Accepted Answer

Physical Exam Needed: This is a complex question. A physical exam is very helpful in a case like this. I wish I could be more helpful but I want to you get the right diagnosis. Please arrange for a physical exam with a doctor.

Question 7

i was diagnosed  with lumbar spinal stenosis. is it curable in the morning i wake up that i can hardly walk  i have two jobs and in the evening when i?

Accepted Answer

I recommend: consulting with a neurosurgeon to find out if you are a surgical candidate or what other  more conservative treatment options would be appropriate for you. Take care.

Question 8

i was diagnosed with spinal stenosis, cervical and lumbar. i ended up having issues walking after nearly tripping from a train ride. i was curious if it would be alright to return to work tomorrow considering it is a 20 minute drive and an office job?

Accepted Answer

: Many with that label live a normal life with very few limitations. I take it you led such a life prior to the label and should be able to continue as you have. The better answer must come from the docs who have the advantage of knowing your history/exam and test findings.

Question 9

i am 54 and i have a spinal stenosis of 5mm. it is becoming more difficult to use the right leg. i get cramps, major weakness, hip goes out and can hardly walk. what shouldi do?

Accepted Answer

Stenosis: Unfortunately, medications, manipulation and therapy may improve symptoms, however the pathology will continue to worsen. If you are having neurologic issues of weakness etc, you should be seen by a neurosurgeon or orthopedist with spinal training for eval before things worsen.

Question 10

i had an operation for spinal stenosis 2 years ago and now my legs are having sharp pain down to the knee. it's very painful to stand or walk .

Accepted Answer

Post-laminectomy: Considering a history of a 360 spinal fusion, i would recommend a follow-up evaluation with your surgeon. Depending on how everything healed, there can develop issues above/below the surgery that can cause such complaints. There can also be non-spinal origins to the pain, so make sure that your sacroiliac, hip, and knee joints are also evaluated.

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Doctor answers about:

Is walking a good form of exercise for people with spinal stenosis

A member asked:

Is walking a good form of exercise for people with spinal stenosis?

A member asked:

Is walking okay for spinal stenosis patients?

A member asked:

How can i prepare my body (i'm 68) for a long 9 hour flight and 15 days of walking tours when i have spinal stenosis. when i overdo walking, i suffer?

A member asked:

After two operations my spinal stenosis is finally getting better, the nerves apparently take a long time to heal, will i be able to walk ever again and if so when can i start to get back to walking and how should i go about getting help?

A member asked:

Spinal stenosis for 2 yrs. ..have developed slight bladder and bowel leakage. lots of trouble walking. wondering if it is worse.

A member asked:

85 yr fem-sharp intermit pain in both thighs, occurring after sitting or walking too long. has spinal stenosis. on warfarin-3.75mg/day possible cause?

A member asked:

I was diagnosed with lumbar spinal stenosis. is it curable in the morning i wake up that i can hardly walk i have two jobs and in the evening when i?

A member asked:

I was diagnosed with spinal stenosis, cervical and lumbar. i ended up having issues walking after nearly tripping from a train ride. i was curious if it would be alright to return to work tomorrow considering it is a 20 minute drive and an office job?

A member asked:

I am 54 and i have a spinal stenosis of 5mm. it is becoming more difficult to use the right leg. i get cramps, major weakness, hip goes out and can hardly walk. what shouldi do?

A member asked:

I had an operation for spinal stenosis 2 years ago and now my legs are having sharp pain down to the knee. it's very painful to stand or walk .

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