Spinal Stenosis and Walking Problems – Is Walking Good for Spinal Stenosis?

Have you ever wondered whether spinal stenosis and walking problems are somehow interrelated? Is walking good for spinal stenosis?

Walking is important, and we all know that. But why do the doctors ask about the walking routine whenever you visit him for back pain?

It’s because spinal stenosis and walking problems are very common especially above the age of 50 years.

On top of that, sitting for long hours, for instance, during work or study time, can worsen the symptoms of spinal stenosis.

This is because the spine is made to move and keeping it stable for a prolonged period can result in spinal stenosis leg pain and back problems.

Let’s discuss spinal stenosis and walking problems in a bit more detail.

Spinal Stenosis and Walking Problems

Note: Before we proceed, bear one thing in mind, walking can only help you relieve the symptoms of spinal stenosis. Plus, walking also prevents the stenosis from aggravating in the future.

This means that spinal stenosis and walking problems can only be cured if you are in the early stage of the disease. And in the chronic state of spinal stenosis, you will have to get spinal fusion surgery anyway.

Let’s highlight the most common complaints and the importance of nerves in spinal stenosis.

What Is Spinal Stenosis?

As the term suggests, spinal stenosis means, the spine has been reduced in size forming a narrow cavity. It can be due to a bulging disc or bony spur stressing over the nearby nerves, causing pain and numbness.

It most commonly occurs due to age-related changes in the body. But other causes lead to spinal stenosis as well.

What are the symptoms of spinal stenosis?

However, no matter what the cause is, the major symptoms arise due to the compression of spinal nerves. And that is when you rule out spinal stenosis and walking problems in a patient.

• Pain and numbness
• The pain goes away on sitting or by leaning forwards.
• The pain is progressive and sharp when you extend the back.
• Weakness in the affected limb.
• Urinary incontinence
• Improper bowel movements in severe cases.
• You are unable to walk for long hours.

Spinal stenosis gives rise to walking problems when the nerves of the lower limb get affected. And the main reason for the difficulty in walking is leg pain and numbness due to compressed nerves, especially the sciatic nerve.

Why are the nerves so important anyway?

Simply put, the nerves are important because they carry signals to and from the brain helping your body function in an organized manner.

If at any point the spine gets affected, the damage may become irreversible leading to paralysis of muscles supplied by the affected nerve.

However, moving the spine and legs at the right time helps to alleviate the issue at an early stage.

Furthermore, in a few patients, the pain gets so severe that they can’t even stand without having to scream for help. This medical condition is known as cauda equina syndrome.

And unfortunately, if you don’t get the treatment at the right time, the damage becomes permanent.

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Can spinal stenosis cause foot pain?

Spinal stenosis and foot pain often tend to coexist. The reason for nerve pain in the foot is the same, that is, compression of the nerves due to spinal stenosis.

Moreover, the patients also complain of spinal stenosis numbness in the feet along with foot pain.

Can Spinal stenosis cause leg pain?

There are two main types of spinal stenosis.

• Cervical stenosis, affecting the upper limb mainly.
• Lumbar stenosis, affecting the lower limb.

Pain in the leg is one of the commonest signs of spinal stenosis along with numbness and weakness. Usually, lumbar spinal stenosis causes leg pain and numbness.

Furthermore, tingling sensation and weakness in the respective limb can halt you from working or walking properly.

Is walking good for spinal stenosis

Can walking help you relieve the symptoms of spinal stenosis? Is walking good for spinal stenosis?

Every other day physicians come across such concerns by people who have spinal stenosis and walking problems.

If it makes you feel any good, walking is an aerobic exercise and it does help in relieving spinal stenosis symptoms and related walking concerns.

But how does walking help in spinal stenosis?

Well, walking releases the pressure put on nerves that are causing all the pain and numbness in the leg. In fact, walking alone can completely eradicate the need of having surgery.

Moreover, walking is important for a person’s mental well-being as well. And it tends to strengthen the muscles and the weak joints, helps nourish the spinal structures, and lastly, improves the overall posture of the body.

However, as much as you need to focus on walking, there are a few things to avoid with spinal stenosis. For instance;

• Running
• Jogging
• Jumping
• Hiking
• Heavy lifting and excessive bending.
• And a few exercises that make you extend your spine.

Remember that your spine is going through a lot at this point. So you need to be very gentle with your back while making any movement.

What can you do to support the back while walking?

• You might want to buy a personalized walking cane to avoid any accidents.
• Walk for a few minutes every day and gradually increase the duration.
• Take rests in between.
• If walking every day isn’t possible try doing it on alternate days.
• Pain medications do help but long-term use of opioids can have major side effects.

Note: See a doctor if even after all the efforts you aren’t seeing any improvement.

FAQs

Conclusion

You can easily get rid of spinal stenosis and walking problems simply by moving the spine and legs. However, the doctor will try his best to not make you go through a major surgery that has complications later in life. So following your doctor’s instructions is equally important.

In short, the only way to get rid of spinal stenosis and walking problems is to walk. And now you know how much walking is good for spinal stenosis in providing the early treatment of the disease.

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