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Facts and Tips about Spinal Stenosis

  • Many years ago, spinal stenosis was called "creeping paralysis" because it gradually gets worse as you get older. Most people thought that once it started, there wasn't much you could do to stop spinal stenosis. Along with forgetfulness, the pain from spinal stenosis was assumed to be just another part of growing old.

  • Diagnosing spinal stenosis can be difficult because the symptoms can mimic those of other conditions. For example, pseudoclaudication, the leg cramping that can occur with spinal stenosis, can be confused with vascular claudication, a condition of the blood vessels. Here's how you tell the difference: vascular claudication is worse when you walk uphill and improves when you stand still. Pseudoclaudication is usually worse when going downhill and gets better when you lean forward or sit down.

  • The risk of developing spinal stenosis increases in those who are over 50.

  • Pilates can help reduce the pain from spinal stenosis. It can do this because the movements used in Pilates can lengthen the muscles in your spine, increasing the space around your nerve roots and even around your spinal canal. Also, Pilates strengthens your core muscles, which helps stabilize your spine.

Last Updated: 01/18/2008
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