Lumbar Stenosis Pain Prevention

Prevention of Lumbar Stenosis

Lumbar stenosis is a medical condition that results from any condition that causes the squeezing of the spinal cord or nerves in the lumbar region. These conditions are usually age related conditions. Although some age related changes cannot be prevented e.g. degeneration of the spinal discs, some can be slowed down. You can also avoid severe lumbar stenosis by keeping your back healthy. This may involve taking some simple steps or an entire lifestyle change. No matter the case, it is always better to prevent the condition rather than deal with its painful symptoms down the road.

Regular exercise is one of the best ways of keeping lumbar stenosis at bay. A combined exercise routine of strength training and endurance training will help you develop strong muscles in your back which in turn helps to give your spine the necessary support as well as improve your posture. Exercises will also help you maintain a healthy body weight. This will help reduce the amount of pressure experienced by the spine.

It is important to include flexibility training in any exercise program. This helps strengthen the spine and reduce the amount of pressure on the spinal discs. It is a good way of avoiding lumbar stenosis caused by herniated discs.

Maintaining a good posture is fundamental
to the prevention of lumbar stenosis.

Like with flexibility training, this reduces the pressure on the spinal discs. Learn to keep your back straight especially when lifting heavy objects or twisting your torso. You should also avoid standing or sitting for long periods even if you have good posture. Standing and sitting positions place a lot of pressure on the vertebral discs in the lumbar region. Try to move around as much as you can.

Research has shown that there is a link between smoking and lumbar stenosis as well as other back conditions. This is because smoking results in a loss in bone density thus increasing the risk of suffering from bone fractures as well as deterioration of the bone. It is therefore advisable to make the lifestyle change and stop smoking. Smoking also has the effect of slowing down the healing process after a spinal fusion.

Lumbar Stenosis Pain Prevention
Pain treatments ranges from conservative therapies to surgical interventions.
Article published March 4^th, 2011
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