Exercises for Spinal Stenosis

If you are in pain from spinal stenosis, you probably don't even want to think about exercising. You should certainly avoid any activities that put too much stress on your spine (contact sports, for example). At the same time, you shouldn't stop exercising all together because healthy, strong muscles offer more support to your back. Plus, if you don't move at all—if you think that laying down will heal your pain—please know that you could actually make your pain worse.

Walking and gentle stretches are both suitable exercises for you if you have spinal stenosis. Swimming is also an ideal exercise because it exercises all your back muscles in a safe, supportive environment. The water supports your weight well, which means that there's less weight on your back. You could also do water walking.