Spinal stenosis is a back condition that may cause difficulty walking. Exercises, stretches, and lifestyle changes may improve lower back strength and posture to help manage the condition.
Spinal stenosis can occur anywhere on the spine, but the most common locations are the neck and the lower back, also known as the lumbar region.
Stenosis of your spinal canal interrupts messages that the nerves send and receive to and from the pelvic area and legs. As a result, lumbar spinal stenosis can cause walking problems.
Keep reading to learn more about how spinal stenosis may affect walking and how to manage the condition.
When to get medical attention
It’s important to speak with a doctor right away if you have severe pain and difficulty standing up.
You may have developed cauda equina syndrome, which puts stronger pressure on the nerves at the bottom of your spinal cord. Without treatment, this syndrome can cause permanent nerve damage.
Symptoms of cauda equina syndrome can include:
- disturbance or loss of bladder or bowel function
- numbness in the back of legs, your inner thighs, genital area, or anal region
- severe pain or weakness in your legs that makes it difficult to stand up
If you have lumbar spinal stenosis, you may notice symptoms while walking or standing.
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, these may include:
- lower back pressure when upright
- pain in your back, buttocks, or legs
- leg numbness, cramping, or tingling
- muscle weakness
- a weak foot that drops (slaps down) when you walk
Symptoms usually occor un both sides, rather than just one side.
You may feel relief from these symptoms when you lean forward, sit, or crouch, or while riding a bike or pushing a shopping cart. This is because a forward-leaning position opens the spinal canal and reduces pressure on the nerves.
Walking may be a good exercise for spinal stenosis because it is low impact and you can manage the pace and distance.
However, many people find walking and standing up straight can trigger or worsen existing spinal stenosis symptoms. If this happens, try a different type of exercise, such as cycling, yoga, or water-based activities.
If you’re able to walk without symptoms, incorporate this activity into your routine. Some ways to walk more include:
- taking out the family dog
- parking a few blocks away from your destination
- doing short errands on foot
A physical therapist can also help develop an exercise regimen to reduce symptoms by improving your strength, balance, and range of motion.
Spinal stenosis in your lumbar region can affect your feet and legs, causing problems such as foot drop and sciatica.
This can affect your ability to walk. If this is the case, you can work with a physical therapist to find ways to manage foot and leg complications or symptoms.
Physical therapy is a
The goal of physical therapy for spinal stenosis is to:
- strengthen muscles in your core and legs
- improve your mobility
- maintain your ability to perform day-to-day activities
A physical therapist can help you with:
- stretching recommendations
- learning how to keep your back safe
- maintaining proper use of assistive devices like a back brace, cane, or walker
- using correct posture and body mechanics
- providing advice about shoe inserts and splints
- using hot and cold therapy
- recommending suggestions for modifications to your home environment, such as ergonomics and cushions
Before you start any treatment plan, discuss it with a doctor first to make sure it’s an appropriate option for you to try.
Several home remedies and medications may help with managing pain associated with spinal stenosis. Examples include:
- doing regular low impact exercise, such as yoga
- wearing a spinal brace
- taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Some alternative remedies, such as spinal manipulation and acupuncture, may also
If these management methods do not help improve walking and pain, a doctor may recommend other treatments, such as:
- prescription medications and injections
- surgery, such as:
In some cases, people with spinal stenosis find that walking uphill, up a flight of stairs, or up an incline may worsen their spinal stenosis symptoms. However, walking may be good for spinal stenosis if it does not cause pain.
Without treatment, spinal stenosis may lead to weakness, numbness, and loss of control in your legs.
Over time, people with spinal stenosis may require the use of assistive devices such as a cane, walker, or wheelchair.
The best treatment for spinal stenosis will depend on several factors, such as your symptoms and mobility. Some treatment options include physical therapy, OTC medications, and, in some cases, surgery.
Spinal stenosis is a condition that may cause weakness, numbness, and loss of control in the lower extremities. This could make walking more difficult.
If you have difficulty walking with spinal stenosis, it’s important to speak with a healthcare professional. They can help develop a treatment plan to relieve your symptoms. This may include a combination of lifestyle changes, physical therapy, and medications.