Can Lifestyle Changes Help You Manage Spinal Stenosis?

Age is just a number. But when you have spinal stenosis, your spine reminds you of your age in some pretty unpleasant ways. This common condition is often a result of something we can’t avoid: getting older.

As you age, the bones in your spine (vertebrae) can move closer together. This shift may happen when:

• The discs that separate the bones lose water, making them thinner.
• Ligaments adjacent to the vertebrae thicken, changing the architecture of the spine.
• You develop an overgrowth of bone on the spinal joints, known as bone spurs.

Whatever the cause, spinal stenosis means one thing: Less space in the spine, resulting in pinched nerves. You’ll notice symptoms such as numbness, decreased stamina, tingling and pain.

Only surgery can reverse or cure spinal stenosis. But many people can manage their symptoms and lead an active life despite this condition. Pain management specialist Robert Bolash, MD, has some tips that can help.

1. Take a dip

Exercise can help build muscles in the legs, abdomen and back. Stronger muscles can support the spine and take some pressure off the pinched nerves.

Any exercise you enjoy can help. But Dr. Bolash recommends water exercise if you can get to a pool.

“Swimming and other aquatic activities are great for spinal stenosis because you use the buoyancy of water to your advantage,” Dr. Bolash explains. “Water workouts are easier on the spine and all the joints. At the same time, the resistance in the water helps you strengthen your muscles.”

2. Lean into your activity

In the absence of a pool, you have other exercise options. Dr. Bolash recommends exercises that allow you to lean forward slightly, including:

• Biking or using a stationary bike.
• Walking up a flight of stairs.
• Using a step climbing machine.
• Using a treadmill with an incline.

“Many people find that leaning forward offers them relief from spinal pressure,” Dr. Bolash says. “It opens up the spine a little bit.”

However, if you’re in too much pain to exercise, Dr. Bolash doesn’t recommend pushing through it alone. “If you’re skipping activities or you can’t function normally, make an appointment with your doctor,” he says. “There are plenty of treatment options that could help you.”

3. Work on weight loss

Excess weight can worsen the pain of spinal stenosis. “Extra body weight puts additional pressure on the spine,” Dr. Bolash explains. “Losing weight can bring relief.”

If you’re getting more active with the tips mentioned above, you may already have this covered. Exercise is a great way to burn calories and work toward a healthy weight.

But also watch your diet for maximum weight loss success. Eating too many calories could undo the calorie burning you accomplished on that bike ride.

4. Try turmeric

Turmeric is a plant related to ginger, and people have used it for thousands of years. It’s a flavorful spice for cooking, but you can also take it as a supplement. “Turmeric has some promising evidence of pain relief,” Dr. Bolash says.

We don’t have solid proof that turmeric works for spinal stenosis pain. However, some studies show that it could help relieve arthritis pain. And arthritis is a common trigger of spinal stenosis.

Dr. Bolash says turmeric may be worth a try, along with exercise and weight loss. It could interact with certain medicines, however, so ask your doctor first.

5. Give PT a chance

Physical therapy (PT) is completely noninvasive and highly effective, says Dr. Bolash.

“Physical therapy is the hallmark of treatment for spinal stenosis,” he says. “The goal is to condition the muscles to decrease pressure on the areas of pain.”

During a PT appointment, a licensed physical therapist guides you through strengthening or stretching exercises. The therapist customizes these exercises for your areas of pain, fitness level and body type.

Seems simple, right? So can you just look up online videos for spinal stenosis exercises? You can do that, Dr. Bolash notes, but you won’t get the same results. “A physical therapist is an expert in the musculoskeletal system. And having an expert will always get you the best outcome.”

If you go this route, you may find that the exercises are challenging. “PT requires time and effort,” Dr. Bolash says. “But the benefit comes with the effort you put in.”

You have options for spinal stenosis pain

The pain of spinal stenosis can stop you in your tracks. But that doesn’t mean you have to proceed immediately to the operating room. A few healthy lifestyle changes could be enough to get you back to the things you love.