What is Spinal Stenosis?
Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the space called the spinal canal, which is located within the backbone. The spinal canal is a small space that holds the nerve roots and spinal cord. If for any reason this space becomes smaller, it can squeeze the nerves and the spinal cord, causing pain and other symptoms. Stenosis can occur anywhere along the spinal cord but is more common in the lumbar (lower back) region. Symptoms of spinal stenosis include numbness, weakness, cramping or pain in the legs and thighs, radiating pain down the leg, abnormal bowel and/or bowel function, decreased sensation in the feet or loss of sexual function.

What causes Spinal Stenosis?
Some people are born with narrowed canals, but most often stenosis is a result of aging. Conditions that can cause spinal stenosis include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, spinal tumors, trauma, bone disease or previous surgery.

How to treat Spinal Stenosis
Treatments include medications to reduce pain and inflammation, spinal bracing and physical therapy. A physical therapist can instruct in the use of exercises to help stabilize the spinal cord by increasing the muscle endurance and mobility of the spine. For severe cases, surgery is performed to remove a build-up of bony spurs in the spine. This surgery is often accompanied by spinal fusion in order to provide stronger support for the spine.

How Peoplefit can help
Peoplefit Health and Fitness Center is devoted to improving the health and wellness of people in the greater Woburn community. We use our expertise to create safe and effective individualized exercise programs in order to help you reach your goals. If you would like to speak with a physical therapist about exercise and its effects on any health related condition, please contact us.