Facts/Myths Surrounding Spinal Stenosis
1) Activity modification therapy can help people avoid painful symptoms of stenosis - FACT
Activity modification is the process of learning how to carry out regular activities in modified ways that don't flare-up symptoms. People with spinal stenosis often find comfort from frequent positional changes, avoiding a prolonged, static position whether that be sitting or standing.
2) Lumbar stenosis is the most common condition requiring spinal surgery in patients over 60 - FACT
Lumbar spinal stenosis is the result of wear-an-tear in the spine that often occurs with age. Most people with stenosis find that non-invasive treatment methods (such as physical therapy) allow them to perform daily and/or leisure activities. Spinal stenosis is not a progressive disease but flare-ups can occur with poor posture, incorrect exercise technique, or failure to modify certain activities.
3) Epidural steroid injections can provide months of pain-relief from stenosis - MYTH
Epidural injections are helpful for people who are suffering from severe pain/symptoms. However, the relief from epidurals often last no greater than a few weeks and the long term effectiveness of epidurals beyond that is debatable.
4) Most people with spinal stenosis need surgery - MYTH
Surgery is a last resort option for people with spinal stenosis. Most patients are able to manage their symptoms with prescription strength or over-the-counter medications in combination with physical therapy. Not only is surgery invasive, but it is not guaranteed to produce results.
5) Physical therapy is only recommended while patients aren't dealing with pain/symptoms - MYTH
Physical therapy is an important part of treatment for people with spinal stenosis. Patients are encouraged to accept tolerable amounts of discomfort in order to continue with their programs. Over time, people with stenosis are able to transition to self-management as they learn proper activity modification and how to perform exercise routines on their own.
Activity modification is the process of learning how to carry out regular activities in modified ways that don't flare-up symptoms. People with spinal stenosis often find comfort from frequent positional changes, avoiding a prolonged, static position whether that be sitting or standing.
2) Lumbar stenosis is the most common condition requiring spinal surgery in patients over 60 - FACT
Lumbar spinal stenosis is the result of wear-an-tear in the spine that often occurs with age. Most people with stenosis find that non-invasive treatment methods (such as physical therapy) allow them to perform daily and/or leisure activities. Spinal stenosis is not a progressive disease but flare-ups can occur with poor posture, incorrect exercise technique, or failure to modify certain activities.
3) Epidural steroid injections can provide months of pain-relief from stenosis - MYTH
Epidural injections are helpful for people who are suffering from severe pain/symptoms. However, the relief from epidurals often last no greater than a few weeks and the long term effectiveness of epidurals beyond that is debatable.
4) Most people with spinal stenosis need surgery - MYTH
Surgery is a last resort option for people with spinal stenosis. Most patients are able to manage their symptoms with prescription strength or over-the-counter medications in combination with physical therapy. Not only is surgery invasive, but it is not guaranteed to produce results.
5) Physical therapy is only recommended while patients aren't dealing with pain/symptoms - MYTH
Physical therapy is an important part of treatment for people with spinal stenosis. Patients are encouraged to accept tolerable amounts of discomfort in order to continue with their programs. Over time, people with stenosis are able to transition to self-management as they learn proper activity modification and how to perform exercise routines on their own.
