Research Corner - Q&A Spinal Stenosis by Craig Burris | Date Released : 30 Apr 2003 0 comments Print Close Question: One of my trainers has a client who is just beginning a training program. She has severe spinal stenosis, and in two months, she is undergoing bilater knee replacement surgery. Can you offer some guidance or recommendations? Answer: Stenosis means narrowing. In spinal stenosis, the spinal canal (which contains and protects the spinal cord and nerve roots) narrows and pinches the spinal cord and nerves. The result is low back pain as well as pain in the legs. Stenosis may pinch the nerves that control muscle power and sensation in the legs. Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis Pain and difficulty when walking, aggravated by activity. Numbness, tingling, hot or cold feelings, weakness or a heavy and tired feeling in the legs. Clumsiness, frequent falling or a foot-slapping gait. Short of surgery, the best way to deal with spinal stenosis is to reduce the inflammation and try to improve alignment of the spine. The way I prefer to work on inflammation is from the inside out. Start by reading my article titled Truth in Nutrition. This will give you a start on how to use nutrition to reduce inflammation. With a spinal stenosis, the biggest thing to remember is not to do any extension exercises as this will further impinge the nerve and cause pain. Exercises should be performed in a "neutral spine" position. I find that Reformer-based Pilates is a good type of exercise for people with stenosis, as long as the instructor understands the client's limitation. I would also focus on exercise that unload the spine such as the supine lateral ball roll and horse stance. Also work on core strength. Start by working on lower abdominal exercises and transverse abdominus activation techniques. And as always, consult a physician before beginning any exercise program. Recommended Resources: The Inner Unit by Paul Chek Scientific Core Conditioning (video) by Paul Chek Scientific Back Training (video) by Paul Chek Back to top About the author: Craig Burris Craig is currently the owner of Peak Physique personal training. Peak Physique provides training in home and at select health clubs in the Twin Cities. Prior to this, Craig was the Director of Trainer education at BODYFIT, a personal training center in St. Paul, as well as providing treatment to clients at twin cities chiropractic clinics. Craig conducts educational seminars for trainers, physical therapists and chiropractors and writes articles for various web sites and publications. His philosophy is, “Achieve optimal health through exercise and nutrition.” Craig specializes in rehabilitation, sport specific training and nutrition. Full Author Details Related content Content from Craig Burris Hyperlordotic Dancer Joshua Rubin | Articles The Inner Unit Paul Chek | Articles Reactive Neuromuscular Training by Gray Cook | Videos Principles of Corrective Exercise by Anthony Carey | Videos Cervical Spine Pain and Exercise Noah Hittner | Articles Human Gait Assessment by Anthony Carey | Videos Truth in Nutrition - Part 2 Craig Burris | Articles Interactive Spine Primal Pictures | Articles Truth in Nutrition - Part 1 Craig Burris | Articles Neuropathy on the Foot Craig Burris | Articles Crohn’s Disease Pain with SMR Craig Burris | Articles Weight Loss Difficulties Craig Burris | Articles Female Weight Gain with Workouts Craig Burris | Articles Cushings Syndrome Craig Burris | Articles Knee Surgery Rehab – Lateral Release Craig Burris | Articles Amino Acid Supplement – L-arganine Craig Burris | Articles Hernia Exercise Recommendations Craig Burris | Articles Vestibular Vertigo Craig Burris | Articles Hamstring Stretch with LBP Craig Burris | Articles Pooch Belly Craig Burris | Articles Spinal Stenosis Craig Burris | Articles Stretching Before Exercise Craig Burris | Articles Muscle Adhesions Craig Burris | Articles Glycemic Index Assessments Craig Burris | Articles Truth in Nutrition - Part 2 Craig Burris | Articles Disc Herniation and Steroids Craig Burris | Articles Spot Reduction for Arms Craig Burris | Articles Tight Trapezius Craig Burris | Articles Facio-Scapular-Humeral Muscular Dystrophy Craig Burris | Articles Hip Pain from Old Ankle Injury Craig Burris | Articles Truth in Nutrition - Part 1 Craig Burris | Articles Please login to leave a comment Comments (0) Back to top