Lumbar stenosis in Long Beach, CA

Overview

What is lumbar stenosis?

The nerves to the legs travel through the lumbar spinal canal. With age, the discs bulge, the facet joints enlarge and the ligaments thicken, all of which narrow that canal. When the nerves are squeezed, they do not get enough blood flow when you stand and walk, and the legs become heavy, painful or numb. Bending forward or sitting opens the canal and relieves the symptoms, which is why people with stenosis lean on a shopping cart and do better on a bicycle than on foot.

Lumbar stenosis is the most common reason for spine surgery in people over 65, but surgery is far from inevitable. Many people manage well for years with activity, therapy and injections. When walking distance shrinks to the point that it limits your life, a minimally invasive decompression is a very effective solution.

Everyday care

Walking further with stenosis

Simple strategies keep you active and may delay or avoid the need for surgery.

1. 01Keep walking daily, in several shorter sessions if needed.
2. 02Cycle or use a recumbent bike for fitness that does not provoke leg symptoms.
3. 03Use a walking pole or cart to allow a slight forward lean on longer walks.
4. 04Strengthen the core and glutes, which support the spine in a neutral position.
5. 05Keep a healthy weight to reduce load on the canal.
6. 06Track your walking distance. It is the best measure of whether stenosis is changing.