I started suffering from the effects of Spinal Stenosis in my 50s. It progressed to the point where I could not stand or walk for more than ten minutes at a time. I tried everything possible including injections, exercises, physical therapy and drugs. Nothing worked. I responded to a TV AD offering minimally invasive laser back surgery. They diagnosed me over the phone and told me my insurance wouldn't cover the cost and I must send them $10,000 even though I have Medicare and the best supplemental insurance money can buy. I researched dozens of orthopedic surgeons and found the best one in my State. It took me 6 months to get an appointment. Two years ago, he performed a laminectomy and spinal fusion. The recovery was rough, but I got through it. This surgery changed my life. I am currently 76 years old and can do everything I could in my fifties. My advice is to not jump at anything quickly. Get an MRI. Find the best doctors. If you decide to have surgery, select a surgeon with years of experience and a track record you can verify. No one can fix advanced spinal stenosis with a 1/2 cut in your back or a laser. Back problems are a huge cash cow for doctors, surgeons and hospitals. Every case is different. Surgery should be your last resort.
I started having symptoms in my 30's that progressively worse. I had the same surgery you did 2 years ago . I am 54 now. It helped! I have more areas still that are bothering me.
I’m just 50 and going through the same thing. Had many injections and they are now saying surgery is next. Stenosis in L5/S1 after disc rupture 14 years ago but being able to deal with pain up till now and vertebrae were still in correct position so surgery wouldn’t have helped initially before the stenosis. Now have more pain from L4/L5 and protruding disc and some stenosis. So my worry is if I get the surgery for l5s1 fine as we know it’s bad and causing numbness in leg and foot but not sure what they can really do for L4/L5 which is causing all the new much more extreme pain and I don’t want fusion if I can’t avoid it but don’t want to have surgery one one and not the other as if I need it I’d would rather have it done in one surgery. I worry about getting a good surgeon but also one o can afford. I have private insurance but they still cost a lot out of packet and I have two autistic kids and a hubby that’s working 13 hr days to try and keep us afloat after covid affected 60k of his income and I’m actually trying to get back to work to help out or we’ll loose the house. Surgery I’m worried I will not have anyone to look after me as no extended family to look after me or the kids. It’s just very scary.
Thx for sharing. Ive tried all but didnt want to be fused. So glad it worked for u. I keep falling bc my back wont hold me up without pain meds & drs have cut us back. Just shattered my shoulder, sternum & head. Time for surgery.
This is incredible. All these exercises are what they had me doing in pt. Mri showed moderate to severe stenosis at several points with severe foraminal narrowing and spondylolisthesis at l4/5 from a pars fracture. Plus 4 herniated discs in cervical and 3 in lumbar. These exercises never seemed right or offered long term relief. You helped me realize i am not the crazy one. Thank you for this video!
Did you know all this going in? Or did you get an update while going regularly for some time? I’m faced with latter right now. MRI showing much more damage 8 months later. Wondering if what my (2nd) PT has been ok.
@@theOlLineRebel I didn't know going in. I got the MRI after like 2 or3 weeks of PT but they continued with the same exercises after seeing the MRI report and my self report that it was not helping. I'm so sorry to hear you are going through this. 😞
@@jkd2817 Thank you, but at least I was largely doing pretty well. Although, the fact I have gone to PT of some kind continuously for almost a year, every week, should tell you something! The other week I had terrible pain suddenly on my left, like my old right pain, which almost crippled me for a week - but now it's pretty good. I'm lucky I got to have my MRI RIGHT when this horror was happening. That's what I hate about all this - I often have intermittent problems, and rarely do I get any test/scope done DURING PAIN. So actually I'm happy I was in pain while having this MRI. Maybe they'll damned pay attention, and see something for a change!
@@jkd2817 And I am SO sorry you are going through this. You should insist with films like this, that your treatment does not seem right. Luckly, e.g., I don't see these kinds of exercises in my past year. If you do - tell them how you see info telling you should not do such things.
I am 74 and suffering from Lumbar Spinal Stenosis injury this March 2023. I recently consulted with a choropractor about spinal decompression but no effective. I am at a point where I cannot even sit or stand for more than few minutes. My lower back legs and feet go totally pain, numbness, tingling or achiness, after standing for just few minutes. I searched UA-cam for some advice on sciatica and nothing helped as much as your video's, so I've really grateful. Now I am feeling a bit better due to cure strengthen exercises. Thanks so much for your kind advice.
I believe us as patients are just a name in a file cabinet. That's how I feel & have been treated. It's all about the $$$$ Plain & simple. Sorry, but it's true. Nobody cares about anyone. Take care of yourself, nobody else is going to. Good luck.
I have 2 compression fractures of T11, & T 12 . I don’t use opioids, I use cannabis, I sleep ( not really sleeping, more like rest ) in a waterbed & practice Feldencraus techniques that I’ve learned at a pain management program. I strongly recommend that you try a pain management program it will change your life, not cure you but teach you how to deal with your circumstances. Good luck
This information is a Godsend. It is helping me! I went through a course of therapy that made me worse, now I know why. I was doing the wrong things. I made the decision to discontinue, the therapist even agreed with me that I wasn’t benefiting from her treatment, but did not offer a different approach. So happy I found you!
Thanks! Your videos on spinal stenosis and herniated discs have helped me so much I told my husband I wanted to move to El Paso so I can come to your clinic.
Hey Sandra, It is our pleasure!🧡 We are grateful for your support! We are so sorry to hear that have dealt with spinal stenosis and herniated discs.🥺 It is a painful experience but we are thrilled to hear that you've felt the benefits of the information that we have provided.😄In case you are interested you can book a Virtual Consultation so that you can discuss your situation with Dr. David. For more information you can view this link:www.epmanualphysicaltherapy.com/virtual-visit/ We hope you can continue to feel relief. We would love to hear how you are doing as you progress. Please take care!🙌
I have severe stenosis at L4/5. Headed for surgery when a PT said he thought my sciatica was actually being caused by a slightly bulging disc at L4 and not the stenosis. He used the exercises developed by McKenzie which included extension several times a day. Completely healed my sciatica and allowed me to walk again without pain. So although I do have stenosis because I also had a bulging disc the extensions were the proper treatment. I was grateful for a PT that took the time to really evaluate me. He saved me from a fusion and likely the rest of my life with back pain.
Good PT! Aussies are great therapists and I usually used McKenzie for most of my LBP patients. You may have spinal stenosis, but you also have collateral damage that exists outside of the physician's assessment of x-rays. Glad you felt better my friend.
I have stenosis and had a flair up. My physio thought I had a bullying disk and tried back extensions. Made my pain a lot worse so I have sympathy for the video advice
I tried everything and eventually had to get a laminectomy. It has been about 7 years and I'm experiencing some discomfort again. Nothing like what I had before. I was in horrible pain and losing the use of my legs. That being said, I think some very good advice was offered in this video.
Dr. David M. (not sure of spelling). Just want you to know you are the first person to help me in my search for help with spinal stenosis. Never realized that particular back issue is basically not known How to treat by so called medical experts. Sometimes it's treated like regular back pain. I've been given back extention exercises, injections that last 3-4 DAYS, etc. Then turn around and make myself worse with other exercises. Began to think I'm a hopeless case. Found your videos 3-4 days ago. Feel so much better already....Can't believe it. I so gun ho, I exercise lots during day....and really work on standing and walking correctly. Thank you So much. Please keep videos coming!
Hi Janice 🧡 Thank you so much for sharing your experience us. It truly means a lot to hear how our videos have made a positive impact on your journey with spinal stenosis. We understand how frustrating it can be when medical advice doesn't quite hit the mark, and grateful for the opportunity to provide information and exercises that have helped you feel better. We'll definitely keep the videos coming, with the hope that they continue to support you and others on their paths to improved health and well-being. Below will be an additional link for Spinal Stenosis Help that we hope you find beneficial! “Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Help” ua-cam.com/play/PLJVIPiFvv1mYxifSEM8bNacVpyTmc3_Ys.html Please let us know how you are doing as you progress and we hope this helps! 🧡 🙌 🌟
I had spinal stenosis that was a combination of degenerative arthritis, congenital narrowing of the spinal canal, and scoliosis. I did not have any pain; I had total numbness that was sometimes from the waist down! I could walk, but couldn't feel myself walking. I live in a very rural area and the PT I had to go through before surgery was all of the bad exercises you discussed, which made my back worse. I had a laminectomy and spinal fusion of L4-5, and was completely relieved after surgery! Thank you so much for this video. I will be careful not to do any of the exercises that make it worse!
You just put all the pieces together! I have diagnosed herniated discs and spinal stenosis. My hip pain and even knee pain has overshadowed the back pain for years. Now, it all makes sense and I have been saying its all stemming from my back, but nobody listens. You have given me the information to finally be heard! I wish I was closer to Texas to visit you in person, but I'm greatful for your online programs. You have been such a help, I could hug you! ❤
Hey Kay! We are so glad that we were able to help you with this puzzle! It is never easy finding the right answer. We are so glad that we were able to help you and hope that you enjoy our program! We really appreciate your kind words and support!
The physical therapist I have used in the past have done more for me than any other person I was talking to my orthopedic surgeon that surgically repaired my broken ankle and broken arm. I told him something that a physical therapist told me he was very honest and said “ The physical therapist know a lot more about so many things to help you then we do. My orthopedic surgeon is fantastic after my ankle surgery he had me go the physical therapist and I am walking quite well. My ankle was a Trimalleolar comminuted fracture. Really bad. But between the surgery and therapy I am walking really well. Thank you guys.
Physical therapy had me doing those back extensions and cobra stretches for 6 months with no help. I knew in my mind this was not what I needed. My back has been misdiagnosed, telling me there's really nothing wrong, just age related disk degeneration. I'm so glad I found this video and hopefully I can get the help I need, because my problem is getting worse to where I can't walk for more than an hour. I have also had 3 epidurals that didn't relieve any of the pain.
these drs dont care who they send us to-if we get hurt worse they get paid. this dr. was a real eyeopener to me. ive had 9 back ops 2 fusions and more. and was in the office yesterday. this hits home. hope u feel better soon and trust ur intuition.
I have the same story as you, going forward I had spinal fusion in Jan, it completely worked and although I still have to be careful I can stand to cook, walk around the grocery store without using the motorized carts. Message me if you want to know more.
Most physical therapists don't even know core musculature. When I was a PT, I didn't know either, but when I found out my patients did far better. You were doing extension heavy exercises and this leads to an imbalance. Sit ups and crunches are NOT core!
I have severe spinal stenosis and degenerative disc disease. I cannot take anti inflammatory medication. I found an exercise that helped immensely. The rowing machine. I had a lot of pain before. Now I have no pain I made the mistake of going to a chiropractor. He did something that made things immensely worse. I never went back.
That's interesting because while I rowed women's crew for three years during college I often wonder if that hard two hours twice a day worrkout on the water was the start of my back problems. I'll never know, but I do really miss rowing. The BEST sport in the world! I was never more fit than during those years.
I'm fused lower back Including 7-8 surgeries/ fusions Can I still do the rowing machine? I have severe scoliosis at age 56. Surgeon's want to insert Harington Rods. ConsultatiIn onlyb7 months. ( Started last November.)on tomorrow in Seattle.
Doctor I'm suffering from lumbar spinal stenosis from last 15 years. Now I am feeling better little bit due to cure strengthen exercises. Thanks SooO much for your kind advice
Thank you for this well explained video about Lumbar Spinal Stenosis. I’m 85 and have had the symptoms for many years. It’s debilitating to the point I have seen a Spinal Specialist for Radio Frequency Ablation about 5 times over the years for short term results. Then thought to see a Chiropractor, who spends 15 mins (sometimes less) to make “adjustments”. All to no avail. Needless to say I have no confidence in either specialist. Your video, simply tells me there is not much that can be done, except for the simple suggestions you have made. Thank you. I have stopped the Chiro visits (since Oct 5) and am learning to live with a degenerative Lower Back pain, whilst I can stay play a full game of golf (walking). I have subscribed to your channel for more updates on this subject. Thank you again.
What excellent advice!!!! As a person very experienced in back issues, I wish all practitioners I have dealt with knew what you are sharing with us. I have been injured following the poor advice you are discussing and by a chiropractor that insisted on twisting adjustments. Thank you for sane and sensible advice!!!
Me too. I had one have me do side bends with weights in my hand. Of course it didn't hurt at the time, but hours later, I was injured due to nerve aggravation and further caused my bulges to get worse. I was out of work for 3 months due to that one PT visit. I could hardly breathe hard let alone cough and walking was excruciating. I am still having problems 2 years later!! Side bends with weights for someone who has lumbar scoliosis, stenosis, and a spinal vertebral deformity that causes the vertebra to wedge against the S1 (triangle shaped vertebra) is a no go. They were basically further wedging my vertebra together and further causing the bulge to poke out of the disc!!
@@epmanualphysicaltherapy Since last Sunday my left leg was spasming, torturing me and I was unable to do more than a few steps. I've been doing exercises through it all, so impatient to recover but since doing some of yours I'm walking again, a little discomfort now, but nothing by comparison. It was such a shock not to be able to walk, never happened to me before. I'm 71.
Great video and pertinent advice. My PT experiences have been too aggressive and pain inducing for a 77 year old man with severe degenerative dis disease of the lumbar spine. As I enter my next PT sessions I will be armed with the information you have provided. Thank you!
I am a PT. I enjoy watching your videos. You offer solid information. The back is such a complex structure. The patients with a disc problem combined with stenosis are the ones I feel end up with surgery. Anyways keep up the good work!
My spinal stenosis is worse with now ligament in spine has thickened, scoliosis now, and disc's more herniated, nerve pain, and now issue in my left hip. What can be done now? I did PT, did injections, and just lost now and am living with level 8 or 9 pain daily
Hi Noona, We appreciate your kind words about our videos! We're sorry to hear about your struggles with spinal stenosis, scoliosis, herniated discs, nerve pain, and hip issues. Dealing with so much pain daily must be incredibly tough. Many people don't fully grasp the impact of chronic pain unless they've experienced it. We cannot offer personalized guidance or advice without a proper evaluation. We highly recommend a Virtual Consultation with one of our doctors. They can discuss your condition in detail and offer tailored advice. Our Virtual Consultations are currently on sale for $100 off. Please use the code VC2024 upon checkout to redeem the discount. To learn more about our Virtual Consultations including cost please click here: www.epmanualphysicaltherapy.com/virtual-visit/ In the meantime we have a few playlist you might find helpful: “Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Help” ua-cam.com/play/PLJVIPiFvv1mYxifSEM8bNacVpyTmc3_Ys.html "Herniated Disc Help" ua-cam.com/play/PLJVIPiFvv1mYk59Nn77n3t_dh4DeJaWVR.html “Hip Pain Help” ua-cam.com/play/PLJVIPiFvv1mZF48A6w0CrTONLq2ZaVw3G.html We'd love to hear how you are doing as you progress.🙌 Please take care!
Great video, very informative. I want to add my experience. I have lumbar stenosis in several vertebrae with worse being L5 which has been deemed severe. Decompression from a chiropractor that uses the actual decompression machine that slowly separates and increases the space between the vertebrae worked for me. A step above the one that is referred to as traction. It's really the only thing that relieves my pain and numbness in groin, left hip, leg and foot. It works! It's amazing that most insurances won't cover this, but they'll cover all the other treatments that simply mask the pain. That's the type of World that still exists. A World that is over one hundred years behind where it should and could be because of the system and the few that keep the many under their control.
For my bad sciatica, cobra stretches and using an inversion table are the only things that would bring relief 95% of the time. I had a physical medicine dr tell me once that pain is not a reason for surgery. He can go to hell. He has never felt the excruciating pain caused by bad sciatica. Worst pain i have ever felt. I had a discectomy on my left side L5S1 disk and a left side hemi laminectomy on 3 vertebrae. 11 years later and I am still pain free in my left leg.
Everything you said is true, my chiropractor kept me in pain for 7 months, I told him, I will take the massage in my butter but no more cracking. I do not do the extensions either they keep me in pain 100%, honestly the only thing that has ever helped is wet heat, baths and rests until it calms down and years of learning my triggers and things to avoid.
Oh no! Sorry to hear that you've suffered through that for 7 months Nicole :-( Hopefully you can start to get relief from your lumbar stenosis problem! In case you need it, here is a playlist of all our lumbar stenosis videos: “Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Help” ua-cam.com/play/PLJVIPiFvv1mYxifSEM8bNacVpyTmc3_Ys.html
I found out that I have chronic inflammation. What I did to correct this was omit gluten, dairy and cheap oils from my diet. It worked. I am no longer in pain.
Physical therapist had me doing the back bending exercises and extensions. Chiropactic had me on table for back message and tens machine. What about nutrition for the bone, nerve and muscle health? Doesn't the body and it's systems (Lymph, blood etc). need proper nutrition in order to heal? Can you tell us what the 'root problem' is that causes the stenosis in the first place and the nutrition to heal it? After all, our body manufactures tissues based on what it eats. What deficiencies can cause bone spurs and misapplied calcium in the spine and other joints and organs such as the heart and arteries? Thank you!
It's amazing how experienced you are on the subject 💯... I've been to 3 different pain management. I've had 7 injections, I live in severe syatica nerve pain EVERY DAY, for a year and a half now.... I've just about lost everything, I can barely shower, or walk or drive. Riding in a vehicle more than 10 minutes is a very serious problem. I'm so thankful to hear you say the things you do. BECAUSE YOU ARE SPOT ON. You speak of everything I deal with every day. And not one specialist I've seen, has no where near any of the knowledge you do. I've been forced more pills upon pills, I stopped taking them months ago because I've never been a big pill taker. I've only been doing your exercises for a couple days, but I believe I will be so much better off following your suggestions and guidance. Thank you for sharing this with us 🙏🏾💯
Thank you! I started with PT when the symptoms became bad and i was doing some of these exercises. I did not progress much and my symptoms got worse but they discharged me because that was all they had for me. I also have hip arthritis. I have had 4 epidurals which helped for a short time. Now i have pain with walking and using 2 canes or rollator. I also have anterolisthesis of L4 L5. I just want my life back.
Sorry to hear this Sunflower Marcia :-( It sounds like your situation is severe. Did you see a specialist PT? It could be that you need to get to a specialist that helps people avoid surgery, medications and injections. After that, then it might be right to talk with a doctor about the next best steps for you to take. In the meantime, here are some of our UA-cam videos that might help you: “Hip Arthritis Help” ua-cam.com/play/PLJVIPiFvv1mbICbP6qlXUZwMyAJlKD1dt.html Treatment for an anterolisthesis is similar to treatment for an spondylolisthesis: "How To Fix Lower Back Pain From A Spondylolisthesis Problem" ua-cam.com/video/TS-Ug0o5KKI/v-deo.html If you're looking for a more comprehensive exercise program focused on treating the root problem for an anterolisthesis, then you've got to learn more about our 28 Day Back Health & Wellness Boost Program. It's a 100% online and on-demand program for improving back health. It's packed with exercises, advice and coaching from Dr. David. You can learn more about it here: www.epmanualphysicaltherapy.com/back-health
I had hip replacement 5 weeks ago. The pain from my spinal stenosis in L3 and L4 went away the day of the surgery. I had been in pain for 6 months and had had PT for it.
You’re really speaking to me. Keep me posted on good exercises for stenosis L4, L5, S1, (right side) and SI joint pain, right butt and leg. Thank you! Mary
My physical therapists are having me do exercises that look similar to the first two exercises and hamstring stretches. I've got a lot going on in my low back including severe stenosis and am getting worse symptoms that seem to be stenosis related.
@@Chellenunley Sorry that is happening to you too. Matt Hsu of Upright Health youtube channel has been saying that the standard of physical therapy is captured by the Orthopedic surgeons, so the relationship becomes a turnkey operation. It affects how pt looks at some conditions as bone and joint defects instead of muscle and tendon imbalances.
Wow, right on, Doc! I’ve been suffering with lumbar spinal pain for about 30 years now. It started with multiple falls & a fractured vertebrae and now my MRI shows pretty severe arthritis & stenosis along with probably normal disc degeneration for my age. My physiatrist sent me to a PT who had me doing every exercise (& then some) that you say not to do & they definitely increased my back pain over the long haul (eventually I found a different PT who had me stop doing all those back irritating exercises). Then I did about 3 years of epidurals & facet joint injections until I got tired of them making my diabetes worse (& of course they didn’t solve the problem anyway). Now I’ve been to 3 different neurosurgeons in northern Nevada who have all told me they recommend a 4 level laminectomy! 4 levels! No thank you - I think the creator put those bones & ligaments there for a reason and it seems extreme to me to remove all of that. But I am concerned about what the neurosurgeons showed me on my MRI - that I could eventually be dealing with more paralysis. So I am going to Sonospine in Phoenix next month for an outpatient spinal decompression surgery and hoping & praying that this will be a solution for me. Thank you for making this video! I wish that I could’ve seen it about 6 or 7 years ago before I went to the PT that made my back worse. Over the last 30 years I have probably seen about 10 different PT’s and have only been able to find one who seems to be as smart as you. He is also a doctor of PT - maybe that’s the difference?
@@zachrussell7832 Thank you for reminding me to leave a follow up. My experience with Sonospine in Phoenix was phenomenal! I will never understand why more neurosurgeons don't learn how to do a nerve decompression like Dr Timothy Luke @ Sonospine does. They did review my MRI before we scheduled surgery, but they also had some other diagnostic tests done (nerve study and nerve block) which I guess provided them with more information. I would imagine that these tests are unique to each case and from talking to 4 different doctors about my condition I am beginning to understand that the MRI doesn't tell them everything - but I guess that it does give them a good idea if they will be able to help or not. Dr Luke described in detail to me after my surgery what he found and fixed that he was not able to see on my MRI. I am 9 days post surgery right now, so there is still some healing going on but I am definitely doing better than I was before surgery and the current pain that I have (less than before surgery) is pretty well resolved with ice at this point. I was only on some oxy for about 4 days after surgery. I would say that my surgery/healing pain (while different) has been less than my pain pre-surgery and strength returned to my legs immediately. (I was up walking the day of surgery and by the next day I was already better with walking than before surgery) We did a two day drive home (12+ hours road time) 2 days post surgery and the first thing I did when we arrived home was to walk up a 10 foot flight of stairs without stopping. I haven't been able to do that since 2010. If you have any other questions I would be happy to try and answer them. I am SO glad that I had this surgery!
I have 4 disks fused. I do not know what the big deal is. I had to be careful about lifting but I trust my surgeon to do me right. Hometown kid all grown up!’
@@Greatbiggrandma Every case is different. My brother had four disks in his thoracic spine fused about two months ago & both of his legs are still paralyzed. His surgeon is surprised but at this point has told him he may never walk again. It just seems too invasive to me. Look at the stats on ASD (adjacent segment disease) at 5 or 10 years out and it seems too risky. Of course there are some people that may do alright with a fusion or laminectomy, but I would think that most of those are much younger than I am
There’s a fairly new treatment called the mild procedure. Usually it is at a pain clinic and it does not involve removing the spinal bones. It is specifically for spinal stenosis.
I have bulging discs in lumbar and sacral spine and also spinal stenosis AND I have Fibromyalgia. In pain everyday of my life. I’m 72. I had surgery in 2013. Had a bulging disc that had a tiny bulge on the bulge that was touching the leg nerve. Nerve pain from my back around my hip and all the way down the front of my leg. Took a year of meds, PT, MRI, chiropractic, 3 epidurals before I finally got surgery which helped the problem. Most recent mri showed the spinal stenosis and all the bulging discs and another problem that causes the discs to move up on each other, kind of like the Teutonic plates shift and cause an earthquake. .
Hey there, sorry to hear about your back problems and surgeries :-( sounds like a really rough time. We have some more stenosis videos if you would be interested in learning more. Here is a link to our playlist: “Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Help” ua-cam.com/play/PLJVIPiFvv1mYxifSEM8bNacVpyTmc3_Ys.html We also have a program available for back pain if you would be interested in that! Here is the information: If you're looking for a more comprehensive exercise program for back problems, then you've got to learn more about our 28 Day Back Health & Wellness Boost Program. It's a 100% online and on-demand program for improving back health. It's packed with exercises, advice and coaching from Dr. David. You can learn more about it here: “28 Day Back Health & Wellness Boost Program” www.epmanualphysicaltherapy.com/back-health
@@epmanualphysicaltherapy thank you for the information. I’m going to start trying to get better starting with the walking video. I remember from the past learning about muscles you didn’t know you had and trying to coordinate those muscles in the exercises. It does take some time to learn. Thank you for inspiring me to keep trying. You are very realistic with your expectations and I like that!
Enjoyed your presentation Very well done indeed I have a mild case of spinal stenosis and am finding the Cox decompression table 5 mins every two weeks has helped ! QUESTION…. Any opinions you may have on the Cox decompression at all??? I’d be interested to hear Thx again I’ll be watching your channel now
I will give this a try for sure! I was diagnosed with Spinalstinosis at the age of 7, and had to have surgery. And was told i had to have surgery again at the age of 10. But I've lived my life with the pain, now being 30 years old. The surgery didnt help me, it actually made it worse. I cant sit on the floor or lay on my stomach at all or my spine becomes stiff and stuck in that position. I also can't lay flat on my back so I have always had to pile up pillows and blankets on my bed to sleep slightly sitting up. I've taken medication since i was a child and have also had injections, they dont last. And ive done physical therapy but they gave up and told me i can fix it if I just work out my back muscles 🤦🏼♀️ and the worse part of that was a couple months after my last physical therapy session, i ended up having to use a wheelchair.. because now i cant walk for even a full minute without my back, hips and legs being in excruciating pain. Ive tried everything to help the pain and im on the verge of just giving up and accepting my life in a wheelchair forever.. if this doesn't work idk what else to do.. 😮💨
Thank you so much for this video.. I found it very helpful. I really really don't want to get the lamenectomy, I am going to go through a full 6 weeks of physicaly therapy. I do NOT want surgery, I had "drop foot" but with injections, weight loss and walking walking walking.. it has gone away
Hey ChrisB8s, It is our pleasure! We are thrilled that you found the information helpful.🙌 We know how painful dealing with issues with the lamina can be and it's hard for people to understand how painful it can be unless they are going through it themselves. We completely understand why you wouldn't want to go through surgery as well. We are very happy to hear that the effort you put in that you were able to reverse the "drop foot" issue you were experiencing. We would love for you to be able to avoid surgery as well. We would encourage you to schedule a Virtual Consultation with Dr. David. This would give you the opportunity to speak to Dr. David one on one about your situation and advise you on the next steps to take. If you'd like to learn more about our Virtual Consultations please click here: www.epmanualphysicaltherapy.com/virtual-visit/ If you don't feel ready for that yet please check out our playlist for lumbar spinal stenosis. It has additional information and exercises that can help ease the discomfort you're in. You can check it out here: “Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Help” ua-cam.com/play/PLJVIPiFvv1mYxifSEM8bNacVpyTmc3_Ys.html We hope you start feeling some relief soon. Please take care!🙌
At about minute 13:58 - you said "un-done" but the closed captioning said "done". There was another instance where the closed captioning said the opposite of what you were saying. For someone who is hearing impaired, this could be bad to follow the closed captioned advice. Just letting you know.
I now have severe scoliosis with chronic hip pain. Walking for a length of time can be challenging for me. I have been consulted by orthopedic’s and chiropractic care and advised exercises. I will try yours. Thank you for this video.
Hello Doctor! Your video makes so much sense. My low back seems to hurt more when I go into extension. It feels so much better when I put it in flexion .which is opposite of what the main consensus is when treating degenerative disks. I did the chiropractor for a year. What I have noticed is between PT and chiropractors it’s one big assembly line sending you right into surgery.But the cobra is the biggest enforced exercise and it hurts and takes a few times for my low back to warm up to it. To relieve it I have to go in flexion. Again, not recommended by PTs. I also had one epidural but terrified of anything injected because of risks. I feel like I’m the past two years I went backwards. I noticed my back wants to throw itself out more when I perform stuf that puts it into extension and twists.
Hey Julia, so sorry that you feel like you have been getting worse for 2 years! :-( You are absolutely right and it is very important to listen to your symptoms. If it reproduces your pain, you probably should not be doing it in most cases. Hopefully the recommendations we have given were enough to help you get through this! We have a whole playlist of videos for low back pain if you are interested in learning more: “Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Help” ua-cam.com/play/PLJVIPiFvv1mYxifSEM8bNacVpyTmc3_Ys.html We also have a program specifically designed for people that have back pain if you would be interested in enrolling in that course! Here is the link: If you're looking for a more comprehensive exercise program for back problems, then you've got to learn more about our 28 Day Back Health & Wellness Boost Program. It's a 100% online and on-demand program for improving back health. It's packed with exercises, advice and coaching from Dr. David. You can learn more about it here: “28 Day Back Health & Wellness Boost Program” www.epmanualphysicaltherapy.com/back-health
PT broke my brothers back doing spinal adjustment. He was in therapy post knee surgeries and it was all connected/mechanical. Meanwhile he had used a chiropractor for 20+ years (pre knee surgery) with solid results. (he had no stenosis) Meanwhile Ive never used a chiro and had very good results from PT the one time I used it post foot/tibia surgery.
I have C3,-7, T7-11 and L4-S1 Spinal Stenosis and Myelopathy from years of gymnastics, outdoor living, martial arts as an adult and a 40 yr career as an Occasional Therapist. I never shied away from anything physical, even though I’m rather compact 😂 I delayed surgery until I started falling and losing fine motor control. I had good outcomes from a lumbar laminectomy from 2020 and an anterior C4-6 fusion in 2022. Unfortunately my balance has been affected by this delay so many of my athletic abilities are benched, in turn, really hurting my overall morale. I’ve always been hypermobile so when anyone took my measurements, on paper I looked really well, but the pain was intense and loss of function visible. I laughed when you spoke about stretching because that was something that I always fell back on to release tension and pain. One of the PTs that I worked with made the same remark you did; stop, you’re hurting your nerves! I paid attention and made changes, albeit long past the days when it could be the most beneficial. Thank you for this video, I VERY much appreciate your guidance.
I listened. I've got spinal stenosis. I went to a great neurologist. I used to work on the Rehabilitation floor @ hospital. P.T. gave me "wrong" exercises. The twisting exercise called "Windshield Wiper" exercise is twisting. Routinely checked having a ENG test is good. Walking, diet(healthy food), easy walking in water NO twisting swimming. Thank you for this video. Only thing with my health I do take something for my pain. For yrs I have. My L5 and 1s is shot. I've got fibromyalgia and neurothopy 😢.
Hi Lori, I'm Tres, and I was wondering what you are given for pain? I don't tolerate Ansaids. I take Tramadol 50mg. Every 8 hrs. NOT helping! Stenosis is in my neck now, doctor's don't want care if I can walk, lift my arms etc. I desperate.
@NickGianakopoulos I'm deeply sorry of your health. I awake very early so I've got to take my pain meds. Then I go back to bed. I would share what I take but on line I don't, sorry. I understand all Drs. are very different & these days it's hard to find a good one. If all possible do not get cortazone shots. Also take prednisone. These two do not build up muscle. If you can get protein powder & experiment putting in ingredients you like as a shake. Eat meat. I don't eat red meat. Protein is very good and so is drinking lots of water & eating veggies & fruit. I buy frozen blueberries. Try to put a cool compress around your neck. For 5 mins. Then turn your face either side & touch your shoulder for 10 times. Do this 2 times a day. I do this. I do it now without ice-pack. I can share you this it's very very hard but try to take walks on "flat" surface. Walking up hills and not level ground is not good for you. If you can join a gym and walk on treadmill that be good. NO INCINE. I can share I do take 600 mg & D3 with breakfast, same thing when I have dinner. I do take B 1-100mg; B-12 1000 mg. No caffeine. This is because of fibromyalgia. Do you take a muscle relaxer? This may help. Sorry so much for you to read Nick.
What If you have severe stenosis as well as spondylolisthesis and root compression ? Should all this be avoided? And is surgery the only option at this point? Thanks!
This was so helpful!! I have spinal stenosis and had emergency spine surgery on L4/l5 and l5/s1 and years later have really bad pain still. It’s so hard to navigate treatment bc I find that many Pt don’t understand what you’re saying! Thank you🫶🏽
Appreciate your advice. I had a drunk driver hit me from behind at 60mph while I was stopped at a light. It was back in 2006, the guy was high and drunk 3x the limit. Im 45 now and I have spinal stenosis with a perineural cyst on that foramen. My spinal cord is bad in my neck and back and I have permanent nerve damage in my arms plus my hips are very bad, numbness in my feet and legs plus arms. Also I have post chronic lyme disease that I have had since 2019. I do physical therapy in the heated pool which helps somewhat. Being a single parent to my autistic son makes things way harder physically. So your advice is the best I have heard in years. Thank you 🙏☀️🧩
I was under a spinal surgeon after referral due to MRI results & crippling pain for too long. I could hardy walk and was effectively disabled. 'Cobra' stretches (only to the point of first discomfort and making sure the affected area stayed relaxed) within weeks got me walking again after repeating the exercises a few times each day and being able to stretch further. That combined with long normal walks when I could walk again fixed me right up. After years I now have no lower back pain and had no surgery. But those are still my go-to stretches (and also piriformis stretches after running)
Hey Tree Huggah, It is our pleasure!🧡 In case you are interested we do have additional information and exercises you can view in a playlist we have compiled for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis. You can check it out here: “Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Help” ua-cam.com/play/PLJVIPiFvv1mYxifSEM8bNacVpyTmc3_Ys.html Please take care!🙌
😢 Why i didin't saw your video in 2016.. got told to do all these wronf exercises for 14 weeks.. did a lot of injections. Was a lost cause with lots of bad injuries. Did laminectomy two stages. Didin't work.. Did a fusion L4-L5,L5-S-1.. my body reacted VERY bad.. im stuck with severe osteophyte, arthrose, stenosists and severe chronic pain for the rest of my life.. 18 differents meds.. im 33 yrs old!
I have ALS and I have been suffering real bad back issues. I have had 8 mri over the past 10 years and the doctors at Duke said that I was a high risk patient so they don’t want to try and help me. I had the laminectomy in Wilmington N. C. and it help with the pain going down my right leg but the pain in my right hip and low back is almost unbearable. That surgery was 3 years ago. I have tried therapy and shots in my back but all the Doctors tell me to do is keep going to pain management. The truth is it doesn’t help me. I hurt worse when I lay down at night. I told my wife if I went in to surgery and didn’t wake up at least the pain would be gone. I am not suicidal but the pain is no joke. Please help me someone please.
Muscles work by contraction [pulling] using bone joints as leverage points. Stronger muscles put more pressure on the joints and the cartilage between them.
Hey Shawn! If you're back muscles are already strong and your abdominals are weak....then it wouldn't make sense to exercise the back muscles more. That will feed into the problem even more. It adds compression force gradually over time and can worsen stenosis. Please be careful!!!
@El Paso Manual Physical Therapy absolutely I will mention this to my PT on next appointment I have it's not helping for sure not worse but not better either
If I even lay on my stomach face down for more than a couple minutes I can’t move without severe pain. It’s as if my back goes out completely from it. As a kid I slept on my stomach any time I wanted to now it absolutely kills my back. I sleep with my shoulders raised or a little on my side. I’d be at the hospital if I tried those back extensions...
Hi Ilona, we are so sorry that you are suffering from sciatica pain and bursitis in your left thigh and hip ☹️ We are glad that we were able to help with this video! Below will be a few links for you that can help with this: "Sciatica Pain Exercises & Stretches" ua-cam.com/play/PLJVIPiFvv1maZPQPPtirn4oxj8oCPuIMR.html “Is an Inversion Table Helpful for Back Pain?” ua-cam.com/video/j61ImGQdFTM/v-deo.html "Hip Bursitis Help" ua-cam.com/play/PLJVIPiFvv1mbheRRRWNQqDfZ0Hvmyymj9.html “Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Help” ua-cam.com/play/PLJVIPiFvv1mYxifSEM8bNacVpyTmc3_Ys.html We hope this helps! Please keep us posted on your progress 🧡 We appreciate your support and thank you for your kind words ✨
@@epmanualphysicaltherapy thank you for your great videos, not always I watch them to the end but I save them and whenever time allows watch them again from the start, Melbourne is so cold, hope I will be more consistent with the movements when warmer days arrive 🙏👍
McKenzie back extension helped me for the first 2-3 days after the lumbar pain was quite bad even while sitting. Then it just flared up my lower back and it didn't make sense. End range of motion, cobra pose, the whole shebang it got my back iffier than when I just let it be neutral and worked out. Guess no more back extension for me.
Hello, I am 42 years old and just completed my first marathon. The downside is it revealed my lumbar spinal stenosis since a persistent back pain flared up after the race. I managed to endure the pain during training thinking it was just part of the process. Question: with all the exercises you prescribe, may I still continue doing marathons? Can your 28 day back program help me do yearly marathons until I’m 60?
No. Marathons are too strenuous on the spine. As a post-surgical spinal stenosis patient let me advise you to avoid repetitive bending, avoid heavy lifting, avoid shoveling snow, etc. Treat your spine with care. Spinal stenosis progresses with time, even if you don’t do anything strenuous, much faster if you do. I regret not protecting my spine earlier.
Yes, this is right! I have been doing gentle Feldenkrais exercises together with gentle abdominal strengthening and my back pain has almost disappeared!
Cyracriss this makes alot of sense I don't do shots anymore, they can cause you damage to you're spine, I don't do medication, I was going to a chiropractor in southern, mo, off and on. I now go to Dr.Andrew Clement in west des moines iowa, he's the best
Hey Cyra, Thanks for the kind words!🧡 We are so happy that you found a Dr. who has been able to offer you some solutions. We wish you continued health. Thank you for tuning in! In case you are interested we do have additional information and exercises in a playlist we have compiled for lumbar spinal stenosis help. You can check it out here: “Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Help” ua-cam.com/play/PLJVIPiFvv1mYxifSEM8bNacVpyTmc3_Ys.html We wish you continued success in your recovery. Please take care! 🧡
I’m 77 had back pain for years. Love your explanations on spinal stenosis. I was diagnosed last November. No pain for years. What do I do for core exercises! I’ve had 3 classic, up and down, c sections at 22, 25,and 31. I have no abdominal muscles. I am overweight but think my abdominals are long gone so how can I develop core muscles.?
I would recommend starting with a physical therapist to teach you an exercise program you can do at home. Your doctor can refer you, or in many states you can see a physical therapist without a doctor’s prescription. Good luck!
Hey Julian, fixing foraminal stenosis is the same process as fixing central stenosis. Both types of stenosis have the same root problem. Stenosis just presents differently in different people. In case you need it, here is our playlist on lumbar stenosis: “Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Help” ua-cam.com/play/PLJVIPiFvv1mYxifSEM8bNacVpyTmc3_Ys.html You should learn more about our 28 Day Back Health & Wellness Boost Program too. This is focused on fixing the root problem of lower back stenosis. www.epmanualphysicaltherapy.com/back-health
You need to understand the type of stenosis you have. Some come from degeneration of the disc and the other comes from bone growth. Both however can happen concurrent. Exercise can only help in decompressing the disc that is collapsing. If it is bone growth, it will continue to grow and surgery will be the only option. However, you may find relief in other methods like exercise and injections, but if the root cause is excessive bone growth, then either removing or trimming it down is the option for optimum relief.
oh gee, them are all the exercises my therapist had me do? i hurt so bad i could not walk for a couple days. i was so glad i made it thru it the last day was crippling me.low back hurts to walk, knee in middle both hurt at same time, hip,neck and shoulder all fared up. my whole body was in pain.whole right side. knee surgeon wanted to do my hip first, i told him it hasnt even been evaluated??😢
My spine doctor told me I have no limitations on physical activities. I have herniated discs impinging on my secal thac. I also have narrowing of the foramen,and nerve damage which numbs my legs..
Thank you. Tore 2 discs in 2009, L5/S1, L4/L5 and had discs removed and cages put in then even though the surgeon wanted to back in from the back as he'd already done the front. Insurance said No so the final diagnosis was Spinal Stenosis. 2015, still in Absolute agony daily
I have severe lumbar stenosis @ L4-L5. My right leg has been numb, tingling and painful for 7 yrs. at least. I also have possible NPH which affects my balance, and a pinched nerve in my cervical spine which affects my entire right arm and hand. I'm looking forward to having my decompression surgery as of next month.
I have spinal stenosis and had back surgery major back surgery it send me to a physical therapist she had me doing the twisting exercises that you're talkin about. I told her before the next session that my back felt funky she told me I'll probably just sleep wrong. After that session I'm stuck in the bed and pain. Four more surgeries after that I can't walk 25 yards. My advice is don't go to a surgeon or physical therapist just stick it out. I wasn't all that bad until they got ahold of me.
Hey Nautiquecowboy, It is truly heartbreaking to hear that you have been suffering with spinal stenosis. 🥺 We're so sorry to hear that after physical therapy the you ended up stuck in bed and then after 4 more surgeries you couldn't walk more that 25 yards! It is possible to avoid unnecessary injections & Surgery with manual physical therapy and hope that you are on the road to recovery. If you are interested we do have additional information and exercises that we have compiled into a playlist for lumbar spinal stenosis. You can check that out here: “Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Help” ua-cam.com/play/PLJVIPiFvv1mYxifSEM8bNacVpyTmc3_Ys.html Thank you for sharing your experience with us. We'd love to hear how you are doing as you progress.🙌 Please take care!
There is so much talk about that it is good to walk a lot if you have lumbar spinal stenosis , but no one talks about walking/exercise on stairs whether it is good or bad for this disease. Why?
I don't know what type of exercise I should do. Over 2yrs in pain now. MRIs show narrowed nerve channels at L4 to S1. Epidural no help, SI injection no help long term, I may have had some relief from nerve block in right SI, hard to tell. Pain started as severe stabbing pain in right buttocks and hip area. Hips do not show inflammation or arthritis. Pain is now more on front of hip area on right but more achy instead of stabbing. Just don't know what to do. All the things you said to avoid have caused me pain in past due to chiropractors and PTs telling me the wrong things.
Hey Tony! So sorry to hear that you are dealing with this pain for over 2 years. This can be a very frustrating issue to deal with. When it comes to the pain in the front of the hip, this can be multiple problems. This can be an upper lumbar nerve irritation or even something like a degenerated or torn labrum of the hip. This is commonly missed on MRI. Here are some videos that may be able to help with either of these issues in case you would like to learn more: Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Exercise Routine ua-cam.com/video/7iv84dViKg8/v-deo.htmlsi=NEayJu1xfEfKv9TI Top 6 Exercises For Naturally Healing A Painful Torn Hip Labrum ua-cam.com/video/TH7QuyxXhME/v-deo.htmlsi=bg33la5T4w4xiVqb
@epmanualphysicaltherapy Thank you so much for links; I am trying the exercises. The worst pain seems to be at night after laying down for 6-7hrs, side sleeper. I cannot sleep on my right side for more than 30min. In the AM, the right hip is very sore to touch on the outside edge. Feels like I fell on my right hip. Can lumbar nerve pain mimic that pain and soreness pattern? Thanks again, Tony
This I the first exercise a PT gave me. After I said that cobra position bothered me while doing yoga. Why!? How do I find a PT that knows what they are doing?
I have lots of issues… arthritis, severe scoliosis etc etc. How can you tell what a physical therapist knows and who to go to? What criteria is there for a patient to be able to judge who might actually help? Thank you. Love your videos. Wish you were here in Jacksonville Florida!
Hey Ann! In the US, you can find a physical therapist trained similar to Dr. David at this website: aaompt.org/Main/Public_Resources/Find-A-Fellow/Main/Member_Resources/Find-A-Fellow.aspx?hkey=108c9a56-f793-45e4-b3ed-cefe5d871a94 Dr. David is a fellow of the American Academy of Manual Physical Therapists. His specialty is orthopedic manual physical therapy, which is the ideal specialty for helping someone avoid surgery, injections, and medications. Normal physical therapists are best trained to help people right after surgery.
Hello. Thank you for your advice on what not to do fo relieve pain on spinal stenosis. I had spinal fusion 27 years ago with mixed results, scoliosis and now I have been told that I am suffering from stenosis, by the way I walk bent forward and can't stand straight. I have exercise on and off for 20 years, mainly stretching. I realise that some of these exercises are on your list of what not to do. The Skeletal Muscular dept of my local hospital have suggested two days ago a few movements and suggested that I go some in the gym. I am very excited about that, as I can see a way out of surgery. But I would be very grateful if you could suggest a list of right movements, right exercises that I could do at home and at the gym. Many many thanks.
I started suffering from the effects of Spinal Stenosis in my 50s. It progressed to the point where I could not stand or walk for more than ten minutes at a time. I tried everything possible including injections, exercises, physical therapy and drugs. Nothing worked. I responded to a TV AD offering minimally invasive laser back surgery. They diagnosed me over the phone and told me my insurance wouldn't cover the cost and I must send them $10,000 even though I have Medicare and the best supplemental insurance money can buy. I researched dozens of orthopedic surgeons and found the best one in my State. It took me 6 months to get an appointment. Two years ago, he performed a laminectomy and spinal fusion. The recovery was rough, but I got through it. This surgery changed my life. I am currently 76 years old and can do everything I could in my fifties. My advice is to not jump at anything quickly. Get an MRI. Find the best doctors. If you decide to have surgery, select a surgeon with years of experience and a track record you can verify. No one can fix advanced spinal stenosis with a 1/2 cut in your back or a laser. Back problems are a huge cash cow for doctors, surgeons and hospitals. Every case is different. Surgery should be your last resort.
I started having symptoms in my 30's that progressively worse. I had the same surgery you did 2 years ago . I am 54 now. It helped! I have more areas still that are bothering me.
I had a multilevel laminectomy to open up the spaces because I was losing the ability to walk.
I’m just 50 and going through the same thing.
Had many injections and they are now saying surgery is next. Stenosis in L5/S1 after disc rupture 14 years ago but being able to deal with pain up till now and vertebrae were still in correct position so surgery wouldn’t have helped initially before the stenosis.
Now have more pain from L4/L5 and protruding disc and some stenosis.
So my worry is if I get the surgery for l5s1 fine as we know it’s bad and causing numbness in leg and foot but not sure what they can really do for L4/L5 which is causing all the new much more extreme pain and I don’t want fusion if I can’t avoid it but don’t want to have surgery one one and not the other as if I need it I’d would rather have it done in one surgery.
I worry about getting a good surgeon but also one o can afford. I have private insurance but they still cost a lot out of packet and I have two autistic kids and a hubby that’s working 13 hr days to try and keep us afloat after covid affected 60k of his income and I’m actually trying to get back to work to help out or we’ll loose the house.
Surgery I’m worried I will not have anyone to look after me as no extended family to look after me or the kids.
It’s just very scary.
Thx for sharing. Ive tried all but didnt want to be fused. So glad it worked for u. I keep falling bc my back wont hold me up without pain meds & drs have cut us back. Just shattered my shoulder, sternum & head. Time for surgery.
Water aerobics at the Y has saved my back...35 yrs..your body needs water
This is incredible. All these exercises are what they had me doing in pt. Mri showed moderate to severe stenosis at several points with severe foraminal narrowing and spondylolisthesis at l4/5 from a pars fracture. Plus 4 herniated discs in cervical and 3 in lumbar. These exercises never seemed right or offered long term relief. You helped me realize i am not the crazy one. Thank you for this video!
Right! All it does is cause more pain! 😭
Did you know all this going in? Or did you get an update while going regularly for some time? I’m faced with latter right now. MRI showing much more damage 8 months later. Wondering if what my (2nd) PT has been ok.
@@theOlLineRebel I didn't know going in. I got the MRI after like 2 or3 weeks of PT but they continued with the same exercises after seeing the MRI report and my self report that it was not helping. I'm so sorry to hear you are going through this. 😞
@@jkd2817 Thank you, but at least I was largely doing pretty well. Although, the fact I have gone to PT of some kind continuously for almost a year, every week, should tell you something! The other week I had terrible pain suddenly on my left, like my old right pain, which almost crippled me for a week - but now it's pretty good. I'm lucky I got to have my MRI RIGHT when this horror was happening. That's what I hate about all this - I often have intermittent problems, and rarely do I get any test/scope done DURING PAIN. So actually I'm happy I was in pain while having this MRI. Maybe they'll damned pay attention, and see something for a change!
@@jkd2817 And I am SO sorry you are going through this. You should insist with films like this, that your treatment does not seem right. Luckly, e.g., I don't see these kinds of exercises in my past year. If you do - tell them how you see info telling you should not do such things.
I am 74 and suffering from Lumbar Spinal Stenosis injury this March 2023.
I recently consulted with a choropractor about spinal decompression but no effective.
I am at a point where I cannot even sit or stand for more than few minutes.
My lower back legs and feet go totally pain, numbness, tingling or achiness, after standing for just few minutes.
I searched UA-cam for some advice on sciatica and nothing helped as much as your video's, so I've really grateful.
Now I am feeling a bit better due to cure strengthen exercises.
Thanks so much for your kind advice.
I believe us as patients are just a name in a file cabinet. That's how I feel & have been treated. It's all about the $$$$
Plain & simple. Sorry, but it's true. Nobody cares about anyone. Take care of yourself, nobody else is going to. Good luck.
I have 2 compression fractures of T11, & T 12 . I don’t use opioids, I use cannabis, I sleep ( not really sleeping, more like rest ) in a waterbed & practice Feldencraus techniques that I’ve learned at a pain management program. I strongly recommend that you try a pain management program it will change your life, not cure you but teach you how to deal with your circumstances. Good luck
This information is a Godsend. It is helping me! I went through a course of therapy that made me worse, now I know why. I was doing the wrong things. I made the decision to discontinue, the therapist even agreed with me that I wasn’t benefiting from her treatment, but did not offer a different approach. So happy I found you!
What a honest man you are.
My thoughts exactly
He doesn’t put money first.
Thanks! Your videos on spinal stenosis and herniated discs have helped me so much I told my husband I wanted to move to El Paso so I can come to your clinic.
Hey Sandra, It is our pleasure!🧡 We are grateful for your support! We are so sorry to hear that have dealt with spinal stenosis and herniated discs.🥺 It is a painful experience but we are thrilled to hear that you've felt the benefits of the information that we have provided.😄In case you are interested you can book a Virtual Consultation so that you can discuss your situation with Dr. David. For more information you can view this link:www.epmanualphysicaltherapy.com/virtual-visit/
We hope you can continue to feel relief. We would love to hear how you are doing as you progress. Please take care!🙌
I have severe stenosis at L4/5. Headed for surgery when a PT said he thought my sciatica was actually being caused by a slightly bulging disc at L4 and not the stenosis. He used the exercises developed by McKenzie which included extension several times a day. Completely healed my sciatica and allowed me to walk again without pain. So although I do have stenosis because I also had a bulging disc the extensions were the proper treatment. I was grateful for a PT that took the time to really evaluate me. He saved me from a fusion and likely the rest of my life with back pain.
Did you have pain during McKenzie excercises
Good PT! Aussies are great therapists and I usually used McKenzie for most of my LBP patients. You may have spinal stenosis, but you also have collateral damage that exists outside of the physician's assessment of x-rays. Glad you felt better my friend.
Me 2: L3-S1
I’m ten minutes in and I still don’t know what to do. Maybe I’ll cancel my chiropractor treatment.
I have stenosis and had a flair up. My physio thought I had a bullying disk and tried back extensions. Made my pain a lot worse so I have sympathy for the video advice
I tried everything and eventually had to get a laminectomy. It has been about 7 years and I'm experiencing some discomfort again. Nothing like what I had before. I was in horrible pain and losing the use of my legs. That being said, I think some very good advice was offered in this video.
Dr. David M. (not sure of spelling). Just want you to know you are the first person to help me in my search for help with spinal stenosis. Never realized that particular back issue is basically not known How to treat by so called medical experts. Sometimes it's treated like regular back pain. I've been given back extention exercises, injections that last 3-4 DAYS, etc. Then turn around and make myself worse with other exercises.
Began to think I'm a hopeless case. Found your videos 3-4 days ago. Feel so much better already....Can't believe it. I so gun ho, I exercise lots during day....and really work on standing and walking correctly. Thank you So much. Please keep videos coming!
Hi Janice 🧡
Thank you so much for sharing your experience us. It truly means a lot to hear how our videos have made a positive impact on your journey with spinal stenosis. We understand how frustrating it can be when medical advice doesn't quite hit the mark, and grateful for the opportunity to provide information and exercises that have helped you feel better.
We'll definitely keep the videos coming, with the hope that they continue to support you and others on their paths to improved health and well-being. Below will be an additional link for Spinal Stenosis Help that we hope you find beneficial!
“Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Help”
ua-cam.com/play/PLJVIPiFvv1mYxifSEM8bNacVpyTmc3_Ys.html
Please let us know how you are doing as you progress and we hope this helps! 🧡 🙌 🌟
Where can I find your exezise?
I had spinal stenosis that was a combination of degenerative arthritis, congenital narrowing of the spinal canal, and scoliosis. I did not have any pain; I had total numbness that was sometimes from the waist down! I could walk, but couldn't feel myself walking. I live in a very rural area and the PT I had to go through before surgery was all of the bad exercises you discussed, which made my back worse. I had a laminectomy and spinal fusion of L4-5, and was completely relieved after surgery! Thank you so much for this video. I will be careful not to do any of the exercises that make it worse!
You just put all the pieces together! I have diagnosed herniated discs and spinal stenosis. My hip pain and even knee pain has overshadowed the back pain for years. Now, it all makes sense and I have been saying its all stemming from my back, but nobody listens. You have given me the information to finally be heard! I wish I was closer to Texas to visit you in person, but I'm greatful for your online programs. You have been such a help, I could hug you! ❤
Hey Kay! We are so glad that we were able to help you with this puzzle! It is never easy finding the right answer. We are so glad that we were able to help you and hope that you enjoy our program! We really appreciate your kind words and support!
The physical therapist I have used in the past have done more for me than any other person I was talking to my orthopedic surgeon that surgically repaired my broken ankle and broken arm. I told him something that a physical therapist told me he was very honest and said “ The physical therapist know a lot more about so many things to help you then we do. My orthopedic surgeon is fantastic after my ankle surgery he had me go the physical therapist and I am walking quite well. My ankle was a Trimalleolar comminuted fracture. Really bad. But between the surgery and therapy I am walking really well.
Thank you guys.
Physical therapy had me doing those back extensions and cobra stretches for 6 months with no help. I knew in my mind this was not what I needed. My back has been misdiagnosed, telling me there's really nothing wrong, just age related disk degeneration. I'm so glad I found this video and hopefully I can get the help I need, because my problem is getting worse to where I can't walk for more than an hour. I have also had 3 epidurals that didn't relieve any of the pain.
You can thank your insurance companies for that. They insist physical therapy be done before anything else.
these drs dont care who they send us to-if we get hurt worse they get paid. this dr. was a real eyeopener to me. ive had 9 back ops 2 fusions and more. and was in the office yesterday. this hits home. hope u feel better soon and trust ur intuition.
I have the same story as you, going forward I had spinal fusion in Jan, it completely worked and although I still have to be careful I can stand to cook, walk around the grocery store without using the motorized carts. Message me if you want to know more.
Most physical therapists don't even know core musculature. When I was a PT, I didn't know either, but when I found out my patients did far better. You were doing extension heavy exercises and this leads to an imbalance. Sit ups and crunches are NOT core!
@@user-d8r9v how aboutserratus training Sir? much respect
I have severe spinal stenosis and degenerative disc disease. I cannot take anti inflammatory medication. I found an exercise that helped immensely. The rowing machine. I had a lot of pain before. Now I have no pain
I made the mistake of going to a chiropractor. He did something that made things immensely worse. I never went back.
What did you do that helped you? What kind of rowing machine
I've had no luck at all with anti inflammatory medications, tried them all. I will be giving this a shot
That's interesting because while I rowed women's crew for three years during college I often wonder if that hard two hours twice a day worrkout on the water was the start of my back problems. I'll never know, but I do really miss rowing. The BEST sport in the world! I was never more fit than during those years.
Where or how do you do that rowing machine??
I'm fused lower back
Including 7-8 surgeries/ fusions
Can I still do the rowing machine? I have severe scoliosis at age 56. Surgeon's want to insert Harington Rods. ConsultatiIn onlyb7 months. ( Started last November.)on tomorrow in Seattle.
Doctor I'm suffering from lumbar spinal stenosis from last 15 years. Now I am feeling better little bit due to cure strengthen exercises. Thanks SooO much for your kind advice
Thank you for this well explained video about Lumbar Spinal Stenosis. I’m 85 and have had the symptoms for many years. It’s debilitating to the point I have seen a Spinal Specialist for Radio Frequency Ablation about 5 times over the years for short term results. Then thought to see a Chiropractor, who spends 15 mins (sometimes less) to make “adjustments”. All to no avail. Needless to say I have no confidence in either specialist. Your video, simply tells me there is not much that can be done, except for the simple suggestions you have made. Thank you. I have stopped the Chiro visits (since Oct 5) and am learning to live with a degenerative Lower Back pain, whilst I can stay play a full game of golf (walking). I have subscribed to your channel for more updates on this subject. Thank you again.
I have read that the twisting movement is golf is not good for the spinal stenosis. Hope you are taking your precautions.
This was the best information I've heard on what to avoid and what is needed. Thank you so much!
What excellent advice!!!! As a person very experienced in back issues, I wish all practitioners I have dealt with knew what you are sharing with us. I have been injured following the poor advice you are discussing and by a chiropractor that insisted on twisting adjustments. Thank you for sane and sensible advice!!!
Me too. I had one have me do side bends with weights in my hand. Of course it didn't hurt at the time, but hours later, I was injured due to nerve aggravation and further caused my bulges to get worse. I was out of work for 3 months due to that one PT visit. I could hardly breathe hard let alone cough and walking was excruciating. I am still having problems 2 years later!! Side bends with weights for someone who has lumbar scoliosis, stenosis, and a spinal vertebral deformity that causes the vertebra to wedge against the S1 (triangle shaped vertebra) is a no go. They were basically further wedging my vertebra together and further causing the bulge to poke out of the disc!!
Thank you so much. I searched UA-cam for some advice on Sciatica and nothing helped as much as your video's so I'm really grateful. Thanks again
Hey Ruth, you are so welcome! We are glad that our sciatica content has helped you!
@@epmanualphysicaltherapy Since last Sunday my left leg was spasming, torturing me and I was unable to do more than a few steps. I've been doing exercises through it all, so impatient to recover but since doing some of yours I'm walking again, a little discomfort now, but nothing by comparison. It was such a shock not to be able to walk, never happened to me before. I'm 71.
Great video and pertinent advice. My PT experiences have been too aggressive and pain inducing for a 77 year old man with severe degenerative dis disease of the lumbar spine. As I enter my next PT sessions I will be armed with the information you have provided. Thank you!
This is an excellent video. When teaching something it is important to show what not to do as well as what to do.
Hey, Debby, glad you enjoyed our video! We do our best to educate as well as give the best recommendations possible! Thank you for your kind words.
An excellent, excellent video! Very well done. I have arthritis up and down my spinal column and your points are really great. Thank you.
Enjoyed your approach to healing. Seems your main focus is how the body actually works. Thanks .
You're welcome! 😊
I am a PT. I enjoy watching your videos. You offer solid information. The back is such a complex structure. The patients with a disc problem combined with stenosis are the ones I feel end up with surgery. Anyways keep up the good work!
Great Clint!!! We love to get support form our Fellow PTS!!!! '
As a chiropractor, I agree. Discal issues plus Stenosis is very complex
would u work w/ someone whos had 2 fusions + w/o seeing a symptomatic back MRI ? asking 4 a friend.
My spinal stenosis is worse with now ligament in spine has thickened, scoliosis now, and disc's more herniated, nerve pain, and now issue in my left hip. What can be done now? I did PT, did injections, and just lost now and am living with level 8 or 9 pain daily
Hi Noona,
We appreciate your kind words about our videos! We're sorry to hear about your struggles with spinal stenosis, scoliosis, herniated discs, nerve pain, and hip issues. Dealing with so much pain daily must be incredibly tough. Many people don't fully grasp the impact of chronic pain unless they've experienced it.
We cannot offer personalized guidance or advice without a proper evaluation. We highly recommend a Virtual Consultation with one of our doctors. They can discuss your condition in detail and offer tailored advice.
Our Virtual Consultations are currently on sale for $100 off. Please use the code VC2024 upon checkout to redeem the discount.
To learn more about our Virtual Consultations including cost please click here: www.epmanualphysicaltherapy.com/virtual-visit/
In the meantime we have a few playlist you might find helpful:
“Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Help”
ua-cam.com/play/PLJVIPiFvv1mYxifSEM8bNacVpyTmc3_Ys.html
"Herniated Disc Help"
ua-cam.com/play/PLJVIPiFvv1mYk59Nn77n3t_dh4DeJaWVR.html
“Hip Pain Help”
ua-cam.com/play/PLJVIPiFvv1mZF48A6w0CrTONLq2ZaVw3G.html
We'd love to hear how you are doing as you progress.🙌 Please take care!
Great video, very informative.
I want to add my experience. I have lumbar stenosis in several vertebrae with worse being L5 which has been deemed severe.
Decompression from a chiropractor that uses the actual decompression machine that slowly separates and increases the space between the vertebrae worked for me. A step above the one that is referred to as traction.
It's really the only thing that relieves my pain and numbness in groin, left hip, leg and foot. It works!
It's amazing that most insurances won't cover this, but they'll cover all the other treatments that simply mask the pain.
That's the type of World that still exists. A World that is over one hundred years behind where it should and could be because of the system and the few that keep the many under their control.
For my bad sciatica, cobra stretches and using an inversion table are the only things that would bring relief 95% of the time. I had a physical medicine dr tell me once that pain is not a reason for surgery. He can go to hell. He has never felt the excruciating pain caused by bad sciatica. Worst pain i have ever felt. I had a discectomy on my left side L5S1 disk and a left side hemi laminectomy on 3 vertebrae. 11 years later and I am still pain free in my left leg.
It’s all about money and control.
You might look into getting an inversion chair. That was you can do the decompression yourself
Everything you said is true, my chiropractor kept me in pain for 7 months, I told him, I will take the massage in my butter but no more cracking. I do not do the extensions either they keep me in pain 100%, honestly the only thing that has ever helped is wet heat, baths and rests until it calms down and years of learning my triggers and things to avoid.
Oh no! Sorry to hear that you've suffered through that for 7 months Nicole :-(
Hopefully you can start to get relief from your lumbar stenosis problem! In case you need it, here is a playlist of all our lumbar stenosis videos:
“Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Help”
ua-cam.com/play/PLJVIPiFvv1mYxifSEM8bNacVpyTmc3_Ys.html
This was the best i ve seen so far loved it
Amen Amen Amen!
I found out that I have chronic inflammation. What I did to correct this was omit gluten, dairy and cheap oils from my diet. It worked. I am no longer in pain.
Mine hit so bad that i end up having to take a prednisone pack for a week.
Physical therapist had me doing the back bending exercises and extensions. Chiropactic had me on table for back message and tens machine. What about nutrition for the bone, nerve and muscle health? Doesn't the body and it's systems (Lymph, blood etc). need proper nutrition in order to heal? Can you tell us what the 'root problem' is that causes the stenosis in the first place and the nutrition to heal it? After all, our body manufactures tissues based on what it eats. What deficiencies can cause bone spurs and misapplied calcium in the spine and other joints and organs such as the heart and arteries? Thank you!
The strengthening muscles around the lumbar has been my cycle for years, temp relief and horrible rebound
It's amazing how experienced you are on the subject 💯... I've been to 3 different pain management. I've had 7 injections, I live in severe syatica nerve pain EVERY DAY, for a year and a half now.... I've just about lost everything, I can barely shower, or walk or drive. Riding in a vehicle more than 10 minutes is a very serious problem. I'm so thankful to hear you say the things you do. BECAUSE YOU ARE SPOT ON. You speak of everything I deal with every day. And not one specialist I've seen, has no where near any of the knowledge you do. I've been forced more pills upon pills, I stopped taking them months ago because I've never been a big pill taker. I've only been doing your exercises for a couple days, but I believe I will be so much better off following your suggestions and guidance. Thank you for sharing this with us 🙏🏾💯
Thank you! I started with PT when the symptoms became bad and i was doing some of these exercises. I did not progress much and my symptoms got worse but they discharged me because that was all they had for me. I also have hip arthritis. I have had 4 epidurals which helped for a short time. Now i have pain with walking and using 2 canes or rollator. I also have anterolisthesis of L4 L5. I just want my life back.
Sorry to hear this Sunflower Marcia :-(
It sounds like your situation is severe. Did you see a specialist PT? It could be that you need to get to a specialist that helps people avoid surgery, medications and injections. After that, then it might be right to talk with a doctor about the next best steps for you to take.
In the meantime, here are some of our UA-cam videos that might help you:
“Hip Arthritis Help”
ua-cam.com/play/PLJVIPiFvv1mbICbP6qlXUZwMyAJlKD1dt.html
Treatment for an anterolisthesis is similar to treatment for an spondylolisthesis:
"How To Fix Lower Back Pain From A Spondylolisthesis Problem"
ua-cam.com/video/TS-Ug0o5KKI/v-deo.html
If you're looking for a more comprehensive exercise program focused on treating the root problem for an anterolisthesis, then you've got to learn more about our 28 Day Back Health & Wellness Boost Program.
It's a 100% online and on-demand program for improving back health. It's packed with exercises, advice and coaching from Dr. David.
You can learn more about it here:
www.epmanualphysicaltherapy.com/back-health
@@epmanualphysicaltherapy ok
You need a laminectomy
You have company ……… me!
I had hip replacement 5 weeks ago. The pain from my spinal stenosis in L3 and L4 went away the day of the surgery. I had been in pain for 6 months and had had PT for it.
I have just been diagnosed with disc herniation and stenosis. This video is very informative.
You’re really speaking to me. Keep me posted on good exercises for stenosis L4, L5, S1, (right side) and SI joint pain, right butt and leg. Thank you!
Mary
I would like to know also.
Same here
Me too😮
Yes….. same thing. After many chiropractic sessions and injections I’m doing’s the spinal stem trail neck month. I praying that it works.
Same stuff for me too
I had my first injection today and learned specifics of what not to do. Very effective video especially showing examples of what not to do. Thank you.
My physical therapists are having me do exercises that look similar to the first two exercises and hamstring stretches. I've got a lot going on in my low back
including severe stenosis and am getting worse symptoms that seem to be stenosis related.
Mine had me doing them too. My pain is much worse now than before PT.
@@Chellenunley Sorry that is happening to you too. Matt Hsu of Upright Health youtube channel has been saying that the standard of physical therapy is captured by the Orthopedic surgeons, so the relationship becomes a turnkey operation. It affects how pt looks at some conditions as bone and joint defects instead of muscle and tendon imbalances.
Wow, right on, Doc! I’ve been suffering with lumbar spinal pain for about 30 years now. It started with multiple falls & a fractured vertebrae and now my MRI shows pretty severe arthritis & stenosis along with probably normal disc degeneration for my age. My physiatrist sent me to a PT who had me doing every exercise (& then some) that you say not to do & they definitely increased my back pain over the long haul (eventually I found a different PT who had me stop doing all those back irritating exercises). Then I did about 3 years of epidurals & facet joint injections until I got tired of them making my diabetes worse (& of course they didn’t solve the problem anyway). Now I’ve been to 3 different neurosurgeons in northern Nevada who have all told me they recommend a 4 level laminectomy! 4 levels! No thank you - I think the creator put those bones & ligaments there for a reason and it seems extreme to me to remove all of that. But I am concerned about what the neurosurgeons showed me on my MRI - that I could eventually be dealing with more paralysis. So I am going to Sonospine in Phoenix next month for an outpatient spinal decompression surgery and hoping & praying that this will be a solution for me.
Thank you for making this video! I wish that I could’ve seen it about 6 or 7 years ago before I went to the PT that made my back worse. Over the last 30 years I have probably seen about 10 different PT’s and have only been able to find one who seems to be as smart as you. He is also a doctor of PT - maybe that’s the difference?
Please give an update!
Any update? And did they just review your mri before you going there?
@@zachrussell7832 Thank you for reminding me to leave a follow up. My experience with Sonospine in Phoenix was phenomenal! I will never understand why more neurosurgeons don't learn how to do a nerve decompression like Dr Timothy Luke @ Sonospine does. They did review my MRI before we scheduled surgery, but they also had some other diagnostic tests done (nerve study and nerve block) which I guess provided them with more information. I would imagine that these tests are unique to each case and from talking to 4 different doctors about my condition I am beginning to understand that the MRI doesn't tell them everything - but I guess that it does give them a good idea if they will be able to help or not. Dr Luke described in detail to me after my surgery what he found and fixed that he was not able to see on my MRI. I am 9 days post surgery right now, so there is still some healing going on but I am definitely doing better than I was before surgery and the current pain that I have (less than before surgery) is pretty well resolved with ice at this point. I was only on some oxy for about 4 days after surgery. I would say that my surgery/healing pain (while different) has been less than my pain pre-surgery and strength returned to my legs immediately. (I was up walking the day of surgery and by the next day I was already better with walking than before surgery) We did a two day drive home (12+ hours road time) 2 days post surgery and the first thing I did when we arrived home was to walk up a 10 foot flight of stairs without stopping. I haven't been able to do that since 2010. If you have any other questions I would be happy to try and answer them. I am SO glad that I had this surgery!
I have 4 disks fused. I do not know what the big deal is. I had to be careful about lifting but I trust my surgeon to do me right. Hometown kid all grown up!’
@@Greatbiggrandma Every case is different. My brother had four disks in his thoracic spine fused about two months ago & both of his legs are still paralyzed. His surgeon is surprised but at this point has told him he may never walk again. It just seems too invasive to me. Look at the stats on ASD (adjacent segment disease) at 5 or 10 years out and it seems too risky. Of course there are some people that may do alright with a fusion or laminectomy, but I would think that most of those are much younger than I am
My Chiropractor is gentle and helps my stenosis immensely.
Mines great too
There’s a fairly new treatment called the mild procedure. Usually it is at a pain clinic and it does not involve removing the spinal bones. It is specifically for spinal stenosis.
I have bulging discs in lumbar and sacral spine and also spinal stenosis AND I have Fibromyalgia. In pain everyday of my life. I’m 72. I had surgery in 2013. Had a bulging disc that had a tiny bulge on the bulge that was touching the leg nerve. Nerve pain from my back around my hip and all the way down the front of my leg. Took a year of meds, PT, MRI, chiropractic, 3 epidurals before I finally got surgery which helped the problem. Most recent mri showed the spinal stenosis and all the bulging discs and another problem that causes the discs to move up on each other, kind of like the Teutonic plates shift and cause an earthquake. .
Hey there, sorry to hear about your back problems and surgeries :-( sounds like a really rough time. We have some more stenosis videos if you would be interested in learning more. Here is a link to our playlist:
“Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Help”
ua-cam.com/play/PLJVIPiFvv1mYxifSEM8bNacVpyTmc3_Ys.html
We also have a program available for back pain if you would be interested in that! Here is the information:
If you're looking for a more comprehensive exercise program for back problems, then you've got to learn more about our 28 Day Back Health & Wellness Boost Program. It's a 100% online and on-demand program for improving back health. It's packed with exercises, advice and coaching from Dr. David.
You can learn more about it here:
“28 Day Back Health & Wellness Boost Program”
www.epmanualphysicaltherapy.com/back-health
@@epmanualphysicaltherapy thank you for the information. I’m going to start trying to get better starting with the walking video. I remember from the past learning about muscles you didn’t know you had and trying to coordinate those muscles in the exercises. It does take some time to learn. Thank you for inspiring me to keep trying. You are very realistic with your expectations and I like that!
Enjoyed your presentation
Very well done indeed
I have a mild case of spinal stenosis and am finding the Cox decompression table 5 mins every two weeks has helped !
QUESTION…. Any opinions you may have on the Cox decompression at all???
I’d be interested to hear
Thx again I’ll be watching your channel now
I will give this a try for sure! I was diagnosed with Spinalstinosis at the age of 7, and had to have surgery. And was told i had to have surgery again at the age of 10. But I've lived my life with the pain, now being 30 years old. The surgery didnt help me, it actually made it worse. I cant sit on the floor or lay on my stomach at all or my spine becomes stiff and stuck in that position. I also can't lay flat on my back so I have always had to pile up pillows and blankets on my bed to sleep slightly sitting up. I've taken medication since i was a child and have also had injections, they dont last. And ive done physical therapy but they gave up and told me i can fix it if I just work out my back muscles 🤦🏼♀️ and the worse part of that was a couple months after my last physical therapy session, i ended up having to use a wheelchair.. because now i cant walk for even a full minute without my back, hips and legs being in excruciating pain. Ive tried everything to help the pain and im on the verge of just giving up and accepting my life in a wheelchair forever.. if this doesn't work idk what else to do.. 😮💨
Thank you so much for this video.. I found it very helpful. I really really don't want to get the lamenectomy, I am going to go through a full 6 weeks of physicaly therapy. I do NOT want surgery, I had "drop foot" but with injections, weight loss and walking walking walking.. it has gone away
Hey ChrisB8s, It is our pleasure! We are thrilled that you found the information helpful.🙌 We know how painful dealing with issues with the lamina can be and it's hard for people to understand how painful it can be unless they are going through it themselves. We completely understand why you wouldn't want to go through surgery as well. We are very happy to hear that the effort you put in that you were able to reverse the "drop foot" issue you were experiencing.
We would love for you to be able to avoid surgery as well. We would encourage you to schedule a Virtual Consultation with Dr. David. This would give you the opportunity to speak to Dr. David one on one about your situation and advise you on the next steps to take. If you'd like to learn more about our Virtual Consultations please click here: www.epmanualphysicaltherapy.com/virtual-visit/
If you don't feel ready for that yet please check out our playlist for lumbar spinal stenosis. It has additional information and exercises that can help ease the discomfort you're in. You can check it out here:
“Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Help”
ua-cam.com/play/PLJVIPiFvv1mYxifSEM8bNacVpyTmc3_Ys.html
We hope you start feeling some relief soon. Please take care!🙌
But i am lumbar straightening as well as stenosis
So what should I do
What you say makes such sense!
Hey Wendy, glad this makes sense to you!
Your explanations are great! Thanks very much! I’m trying exercises and conscious and improving…
At about minute 13:58 - you said "un-done" but the closed captioning said "done". There was another instance where the closed captioning said the opposite of what you were saying. For someone who is hearing impaired, this could be bad to follow the closed captioned advice. Just letting you know.
This was great. I am considering surgery for L4 and L5 fusion tired of the bandaid effect
Consider artificial disc if you are a candidate. Often way better than fusion.
I now have severe scoliosis with chronic hip pain. Walking for a length of time can be challenging for me. I have been consulted by orthopedic’s and chiropractic care and advised exercises. I will try yours. Thank you for this video.
Hello Doctor! Your video makes so much sense. My low back seems to hurt more when I go into extension. It feels so much better when I put it in flexion .which is opposite of what the main consensus is when treating degenerative disks. I did the chiropractor for a year. What I have noticed is between PT and chiropractors it’s one big assembly line sending you right into surgery.But the cobra is the biggest enforced exercise and it hurts and takes a few times for my low back to warm up to it. To relieve it I have to go in flexion. Again, not recommended by PTs. I also had one epidural but terrified of anything injected because of risks. I feel like I’m the past two years I went backwards. I noticed my back wants to throw itself out more when I perform stuf that puts it into extension and twists.
Hey Julia, so sorry that you feel like you have been getting worse for 2 years! :-( You are absolutely right and it is very important to listen to your symptoms. If it reproduces your pain, you probably should not be doing it in most cases. Hopefully the recommendations we have given were enough to help you get through this! We have a whole playlist of videos for low back pain if you are interested in learning more:
“Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Help”
ua-cam.com/play/PLJVIPiFvv1mYxifSEM8bNacVpyTmc3_Ys.html
We also have a program specifically designed for people that have back pain if you would be interested in enrolling in that course! Here is the link:
If you're looking for a more comprehensive exercise program for back problems, then you've got to learn more about our 28 Day Back Health & Wellness Boost Program. It's a 100% online and on-demand program for improving back health. It's packed with exercises, advice and coaching from Dr. David.
You can learn more about it here:
“28 Day Back Health & Wellness Boost Program”
www.epmanualphysicaltherapy.com/back-health
This is straight to the point
Thank you! All this is TRUE and is fair warning to all that potentially have lumbar srenosis.
Hey Kate, You are so welcome!
Outstanding video thank you
PT broke my brothers back doing spinal adjustment. He was in therapy post knee surgeries and it was all connected/mechanical. Meanwhile he had used a chiropractor for 20+ years (pre knee surgery) with solid results. (he had no stenosis)
Meanwhile Ive never used a chiro and had very good results from PT the one time I used it post foot/tibia surgery.
4:34 Would swinging a golf club result in the same issues as you describe in the twisting exercise.
I have C3,-7, T7-11 and L4-S1 Spinal Stenosis and Myelopathy from years of gymnastics, outdoor living, martial arts as an adult and a 40 yr career as an Occasional Therapist. I never shied away from anything physical, even though I’m rather compact 😂 I delayed surgery until I started falling and losing fine motor control. I had good outcomes from a lumbar laminectomy from 2020 and an anterior C4-6 fusion in 2022. Unfortunately my balance has been affected by this delay so many of my athletic abilities are benched, in turn, really hurting my overall morale. I’ve always been hypermobile so when anyone took my measurements, on paper I looked really well, but the pain was intense and loss of function visible. I laughed when you spoke about stretching because that was something that I always fell back on to release tension and pain. One of the PTs that I worked with made the same remark you did; stop, you’re hurting your nerves! I paid attention and made changes, albeit long past the days when it could be the most beneficial. Thank you for this video, I VERY much appreciate your guidance.
Same. I have an appointment with a surgeon next month.
Good presentation. makes much sense.
What’s good for left drop foot doctor. Thanks for your information.
I listened. I've got spinal stenosis. I went to a great neurologist. I used to work on the Rehabilitation floor @ hospital. P.T. gave me "wrong" exercises. The twisting exercise called "Windshield Wiper" exercise is twisting. Routinely checked having a ENG test is good. Walking, diet(healthy food), easy walking in water NO twisting swimming. Thank you for this video. Only thing with my health I do take something for my pain. For yrs I have. My L5 and 1s is shot. I've got fibromyalgia and neurothopy 😢.
Hi Lori, I'm Tres, and I was wondering what you are given for pain? I don't tolerate Ansaids. I take Tramadol 50mg. Every 8 hrs. NOT helping! Stenosis is in my neck now, doctor's don't want care if I can walk, lift my arms etc. I desperate.
@NickGianakopoulos I'm deeply sorry of your health. I awake very early so I've got to take my pain meds. Then I go back to bed. I would share what I take but on line I don't, sorry. I understand all Drs. are very different & these days it's hard to find a good one. If all possible do not get cortazone shots. Also take prednisone. These two do not build up muscle. If you can get protein powder & experiment putting in ingredients you like as a shake. Eat meat. I don't eat red meat. Protein is very good and so is drinking lots of water & eating veggies & fruit. I buy frozen blueberries. Try to put a cool compress around your neck. For 5 mins. Then turn your face either side & touch your shoulder for 10 times. Do this 2 times a day. I do this. I do it now without ice-pack. I can share you this it's very very hard but try to take walks on "flat" surface. Walking up hills and not level ground is not good for you. If you can join a gym and walk on treadmill that be good. NO INCINE. I can share I do take 600 mg & D3 with breakfast, same thing when I have dinner. I do take B 1-100mg; B-12 1000 mg. No caffeine. This is because of fibromyalgia. Do you take a muscle relaxer? This may help. Sorry so much for you to read Nick.
DUDE,YOUR ADVICE IS THE BEST HELP ❤❤❤
Hey Susan! So happy to hear that our advice was able to help you!
What If you have severe stenosis as well as spondylolisthesis and root compression ? Should all this be avoided? And is surgery the only option at this point? Thanks!
This was so helpful!! I have spinal stenosis and had emergency spine surgery on L4/l5 and l5/s1 and years later have really bad pain still. It’s so hard to navigate treatment bc I find that many Pt don’t understand what you’re saying! Thank you🫶🏽
Hey Cathy! You are very welcome! We are glad we were able to help! We appreciate your kind words and support!
Appreciate your advice. I had a drunk driver hit me from behind at 60mph while I was stopped at a light. It was back in 2006, the guy was high and drunk 3x the limit. Im 45 now and I have spinal stenosis with a perineural cyst on that foramen. My spinal cord is bad in my neck and back and I have permanent nerve damage in my arms plus my hips are very bad, numbness in my feet and legs plus arms. Also I have post chronic lyme disease that I have had since 2019. I do physical therapy in the heated pool which helps somewhat. Being a single parent to my autistic son makes things way harder physically. So your advice is the best I have heard in years. Thank you 🙏☀️🧩
🙏sorry for your predicament
I was under a spinal surgeon after referral due to MRI results & crippling pain for too long. I could hardy walk and was effectively disabled. 'Cobra' stretches (only to the point of first discomfort and making sure the affected area stayed relaxed) within weeks got me walking again after repeating the exercises a few times each day and being able to stretch further. That combined with long normal walks when I could walk again fixed me right up. After years I now have no lower back pain and had no surgery. But those are still my go-to stretches (and also piriformis stretches after running)
thank you Doctor.
THANK YOU.
much respect
Hey Tree Huggah, It is our pleasure!🧡 In case you are interested we do have additional information and exercises you can view in a playlist we have compiled for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis. You can check it out here: “Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Help”
ua-cam.com/play/PLJVIPiFvv1mYxifSEM8bNacVpyTmc3_Ys.html
Please take care!🙌
Thank you, Sir, very helpful!
😢 Why i didin't saw your video in 2016.. got told to do all these wronf exercises for 14 weeks.. did a lot of injections. Was a lost cause with lots of bad injuries. Did laminectomy two stages. Didin't work.. Did a fusion L4-L5,L5-S-1.. my body reacted VERY bad.. im stuck with severe osteophyte, arthrose, stenosists and severe chronic pain for the rest of my life.. 18 differents meds.. im 33 yrs old!
So, what are the proper exercises for spinal stenosis?
I have ALS and I have been suffering real bad back issues. I have had 8 mri over the past 10 years and the doctors at Duke said that I was a high risk patient so they don’t want to try and help me. I had the laminectomy in Wilmington N. C. and it help with the pain going down my right leg but the pain in my right hip and low back is almost unbearable. That surgery was 3 years ago. I have tried therapy and shots in my back but all the Doctors tell me to do is keep going to pain management. The truth is it doesn’t help me. I hurt worse when I lay down at night. I told my wife if I went in to surgery and didn’t wake up at least the pain would be gone. I am not suicidal but the pain is no joke. Please help me someone please.
Muscles work by contraction [pulling] using bone joints as leverage points. Stronger muscles put more pressure on the joints and the cartilage between them.
Wow my PT has me doing back muscle exercises il let them know &see what they do&say it's surecnot helping me
Hey Shawn! If you're back muscles are already strong and your abdominals are weak....then it wouldn't make sense to exercise the back muscles more. That will feed into the problem even more. It adds compression force gradually over time and can worsen stenosis. Please be careful!!!
@El Paso Manual Physical Therapy absolutely I will mention this to my PT on next appointment I have it's not helping for sure not worse but not better either
You've inspired my trust...thank you.
Happy to hear that J rose!!!!
If I even lay on my stomach face down for more than a couple minutes I can’t move without severe pain. It’s as if my back goes out completely from it. As a kid I slept on my stomach any time I wanted to now it absolutely kills my back. I sleep with my shoulders raised or a little on my side. I’d be at the hospital if I tried those back extensions...
Same!
I hav Lumbar spinal stenosis.Should I sleep on my back, side or stomach ?
Thank you so much, the best video I watched till this time as I also suffer from sciatica pain and bursitis in my left tight and hip
Hi Ilona, we are so sorry that you are suffering from sciatica pain and bursitis in your left thigh and hip ☹️ We are glad that we were able to help with this video! Below will be a few links for you that can help with this:
"Sciatica Pain Exercises & Stretches"
ua-cam.com/play/PLJVIPiFvv1maZPQPPtirn4oxj8oCPuIMR.html
“Is an Inversion Table Helpful for Back Pain?”
ua-cam.com/video/j61ImGQdFTM/v-deo.html
"Hip Bursitis Help"
ua-cam.com/play/PLJVIPiFvv1mbheRRRWNQqDfZ0Hvmyymj9.html
“Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Help”
ua-cam.com/play/PLJVIPiFvv1mYxifSEM8bNacVpyTmc3_Ys.html
We hope this helps! Please keep us posted on your progress 🧡 We appreciate your support and thank you for your kind words ✨
@@epmanualphysicaltherapy thank you for your great videos, not always I watch them to the end but I save them and whenever time allows watch them again from the start, Melbourne is so cold, hope I will be more consistent with the movements when warmer days arrive 🙏👍
McKenzie back extension helped me for the first 2-3 days after the lumbar pain was quite bad even while sitting. Then it just flared up my lower back and it didn't make sense. End range of motion, cobra pose, the whole shebang it got my back iffier than when I just let it be neutral and worked out. Guess no more back extension for me.
Hello, I am 42 years old and just completed my first marathon. The downside is it revealed my lumbar spinal stenosis since a persistent back pain flared up after the race. I managed to endure the pain during training thinking it was just part of the process. Question: with all the exercises you prescribe, may I still continue doing marathons? Can your 28 day back program help me do yearly marathons until I’m 60?
No. Marathons are too strenuous on the spine. As a post-surgical spinal stenosis patient let me advise you to avoid repetitive bending, avoid heavy lifting, avoid shoveling snow, etc. Treat your spine with care. Spinal stenosis progresses with time, even if you don’t do anything strenuous, much faster if you do. I regret not protecting my spine earlier.
Yes, this is right! I have been doing gentle Feldenkrais exercises together with gentle abdominal strengthening and my back pain has almost disappeared!
My problem is bilateral foraminal stenoses at L4 - L5, L5 - S1. Incredibly painful!!!
Thanks for your video it has helped me pt wanted me to do some of these exercises I know now not to do them you're a life saver
Cyracriss this makes alot of sense I don't do shots anymore, they can cause you damage to you're spine, I don't do medication, I was going to a chiropractor in southern, mo, off and on. I now go to Dr.Andrew Clement in west des moines iowa, he's the best
Hey Cyra, Thanks for the kind words!🧡 We are so happy that you found a Dr. who has been able to offer you some solutions. We wish you continued health. Thank you for tuning in! In case you are interested we do have additional information and exercises in a playlist we have compiled for lumbar spinal stenosis help. You can check it out here: “Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Help”
ua-cam.com/play/PLJVIPiFvv1mYxifSEM8bNacVpyTmc3_Ys.html
We wish you continued success in your recovery. Please take care! 🧡
I’m 77 had back pain for years. Love your explanations on spinal stenosis. I was diagnosed last November. No pain for years. What do I do for core exercises! I’ve had 3 classic, up and down, c sections at 22, 25,and 31. I have no abdominal muscles. I am overweight but think my abdominals are long gone so how can I develop core muscles.?
I would recommend starting with a physical therapist to teach you an exercise program you can do at home. Your doctor can refer you, or in many states you can see a physical therapist without a doctor’s prescription. Good luck!
What can I do to relieve lumbar forminal stenosis?
Hey Julian, fixing foraminal stenosis is the same process as fixing central stenosis. Both types of stenosis have the same root problem. Stenosis just presents differently in different people. In case you need it, here is our playlist on lumbar stenosis:
“Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Help”
ua-cam.com/play/PLJVIPiFvv1mYxifSEM8bNacVpyTmc3_Ys.html
You should learn more about our 28 Day Back Health & Wellness Boost Program too. This is focused on fixing the root problem of lower back stenosis.
www.epmanualphysicaltherapy.com/back-health
Only a laminectomy will be curative
You need to understand the type of stenosis you have. Some come from degeneration of the disc and the other comes from bone growth. Both however can happen concurrent.
Exercise can only help in decompressing the disc that is collapsing. If it is bone growth, it will continue to grow and surgery will be the only option. However, you may find relief in other methods like exercise and injections, but if the root cause is excessive bone growth, then either removing or trimming it down is the option for optimum relief.
oh gee, them are all the exercises my therapist had me do? i hurt so bad i could not walk for a couple days. i was so glad i made it thru it the last day was crippling me.low back hurts to walk, knee in middle both hurt at same time, hip,neck and shoulder all fared up. my whole body was in pain.whole right side. knee surgeon wanted to do my hip first, i told him it hasnt even been evaluated??😢
My spine doctor told me I have no limitations on physical activities. I have herniated discs impinging on my secal thac. I also have narrowing of the foramen,and nerve damage which numbs my legs..
Thank you. Tore 2 discs in 2009, L5/S1, L4/L5 and had discs removed and cages put in then even though the surgeon wanted to back in from the back as he'd already done the front. Insurance said No so the final diagnosis was Spinal Stenosis. 2015, still in Absolute agony daily
I’m so glad I just came across this video! Far out makes so much sense!!
Thank U for this information 😊❤❤❤👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
You are a kind careing man.
Thank you! I'm going to be starting physical therapy real soon. I'm trying to find out things I need to know. You have given me a lot to think about.
I have severe lumbar stenosis @ L4-L5. My right leg has been numb, tingling and painful for 7 yrs. at least. I also have possible NPH which affects my balance, and a pinched nerve in my cervical spine which affects my entire right arm and hand. I'm looking forward to having my decompression surgery as of next month.
SO enlightening. Thank you.
Hey Bonnie! You are very welcome! Thank you for your support! 🧡
Thank you
Hey Rich! You're welcome!
I have spinal stenosis and had back surgery major back surgery it send me to a physical therapist she had me doing the twisting exercises that you're talkin about. I told her before the next session that my back felt funky she told me I'll probably just sleep wrong. After that session I'm stuck in the bed and pain. Four more surgeries after that I can't walk 25 yards. My advice is don't go to a surgeon or physical therapist just stick it out. I wasn't all that bad until they got ahold of me.
Hey Nautiquecowboy, It is truly heartbreaking to hear that you have been suffering with spinal stenosis. 🥺 We're so sorry to hear that after physical therapy the you ended up stuck in bed and then after 4 more surgeries you couldn't walk more that 25 yards!
It is possible to avoid unnecessary injections & Surgery with manual physical therapy and hope that you are on the road to recovery.
If you are interested we do have additional information and exercises that we have compiled into a playlist for lumbar spinal stenosis. You can check that out here:
“Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Help”
ua-cam.com/play/PLJVIPiFvv1mYxifSEM8bNacVpyTmc3_Ys.html
Thank you for sharing your experience with us. We'd love to hear how you are doing as you progress.🙌 Please take care!
Thank u so much ,the back stretch u showed I questioned that one too .I’m trying my best to maintiain my spinal area
You're welcome @prettyp3641!!!
There is so much talk about that it is good to walk a lot if you have lumbar spinal stenosis , but no one talks about walking/exercise on stairs whether it is good or bad for this disease. Why?
Then what to do
I don't know what type of exercise I should do. Over 2yrs in pain now. MRIs show narrowed nerve channels at L4 to S1. Epidural no help, SI injection no help long term, I may have had some relief from nerve block in right SI, hard to tell. Pain started as severe stabbing pain in right buttocks and hip area. Hips do not show inflammation or arthritis. Pain is now more on front of hip area on right but more achy instead of stabbing. Just don't know what to do. All the things you said to avoid have caused me pain in past due to chiropractors and PTs telling me the wrong things.
Hey Tony! So sorry to hear that you are dealing with this pain for over 2 years. This can be a very frustrating issue to deal with. When it comes to the pain in the front of the hip, this can be multiple problems. This can be an upper lumbar nerve irritation or even something like a degenerated or torn labrum of the hip. This is commonly missed on MRI. Here are some videos that may be able to help with either of these issues in case you would like to learn more:
Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Exercise Routine
ua-cam.com/video/7iv84dViKg8/v-deo.htmlsi=NEayJu1xfEfKv9TI
Top 6 Exercises For Naturally Healing A Painful Torn Hip Labrum
ua-cam.com/video/TH7QuyxXhME/v-deo.htmlsi=bg33la5T4w4xiVqb
@epmanualphysicaltherapy Thank you so much for links; I am trying the exercises. The worst pain seems to be at night after laying down for 6-7hrs, side sleeper. I cannot sleep on my right side for more than 30min. In the AM, the right hip is very sore to touch on the outside edge. Feels like I fell on my right hip. Can lumbar nerve pain mimic that pain and soreness pattern? Thanks again, Tony
This I the first exercise a PT gave me. After I said that cobra position bothered me while doing yoga. Why!? How do I find a PT that knows what they are doing?
I have lots of issues… arthritis, severe scoliosis etc etc. How can you tell what a physical therapist knows and who to go to? What criteria is there for a patient to be able to judge who might actually help? Thank you. Love your videos. Wish you were here in Jacksonville Florida!
Hey Ann! In the US, you can find a physical therapist trained similar to Dr. David at this website: aaompt.org/Main/Public_Resources/Find-A-Fellow/Main/Member_Resources/Find-A-Fellow.aspx?hkey=108c9a56-f793-45e4-b3ed-cefe5d871a94
Dr. David is a fellow of the American Academy of Manual Physical Therapists. His specialty is orthopedic manual physical therapy, which is the ideal specialty for helping someone avoid surgery, injections, and medications.
Normal physical therapists are best trained to help people right after surgery.
Thank you so much for the list of referrals. @@epmanualphysicaltherapy
Hello. Thank you for your advice on what not to do fo relieve pain on spinal stenosis. I had spinal fusion 27 years ago with mixed results, scoliosis and now I have been told that I am suffering from stenosis, by the way I walk bent forward and can't stand straight. I have exercise on and off for 20 years, mainly stretching. I realise that some of these exercises are on your list of what not to do. The Skeletal Muscular dept of my local hospital have suggested two days ago a few movements and suggested that I go some in the gym. I am very excited about that, as I can see a way out of surgery. But I would be very grateful if you could suggest a list of right movements, right exercises that I could do at home and at the gym. Many many thanks.
thanks for the advice. Up in Grove, Oklahoma!
Very helpful. Thank you so much.