Ace Physiotherapy and Sports in Singapore
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+65 81535374 -
ACE PHYSIO SPORTS
East gate Building, 46 East Coast Road
#08-03 Singapore 428766 -
Opening Hours
Mon to Fri: 08:00am - 8:00pm -
Opening Hours
Sat: 08:00am - 4:00pm
Sunday (By prior appointment)
Lumbar Stenosis
What is a lumbar stenosis?
Lumbar stenosis refers to a narrowing of the spinal canal in the lower back, which houses the spinal cord and nerve roots. This narrowing can place pressure on the nerves, leading to pain, weakness, or other neurological symptoms. Physiotherapy is a highly effective treatment for lumbar stenosis, helping to reduce symptoms, improve mobility, and enhance overall function.
What can cause a lumbar stenosis?
Lumbar stenosis is most often the result of osteoarthritis affecting the vertebrae and facet joints in the lower back, making it more common in individuals over the age of sixty. Other possible causes include tumours, osteoporosis, and disc herniation, all of which can contribute to the narrowing of the spinal canal and subsequent nerve compression.
What are the symptoms of a lumbar stenosis?
The most common symptoms of lumbar stenosis are back pain and stiffness in the lower spine. When nerve irritation is more severe, weakness, pins and needles, and numbness may develop in the buttocks, legs, and feet. Rarely, symptoms can include reduced bladder or bowel control and loss of balance. People with lumbar stenosis may also struggle to walk long distances or maintain sitting or standing positions for extended periods without needing to rest and lean forward to ease the strain on their back. Other symptoms include:
- Back pain
- Stiffness in the lumbar spine
- Weakness in the buttocks, legs, and feet
- Pins and needles in the buttocks, legs, and feet
- Numbness in the buttocks, legs, and feet
- Reduced bladder or bowel control (rare)
- Loss of balance (rare)
- Difficulty walking long distances
- Difficulty sitting or standing for long periods without rest
- Needing to lean forward to relieve back discomfort
What should I do if I have a lumbar stenosis?
If you suspect you may have lumbar stenosis, you should see your doctor promptly. They can prescribe painkillers and arrange diagnostic tests such as X-rays or MRI scans to confirm the diagnosis. Most cases of lumbar stenosis respond well to physiotherapy, which helps maintain mobility and strength in the lower back. In more severe cases, lumbar decompressive surgery may be recommended to relieve pressure on the spinal cord. It is important to keep your lower back as mobile as possible without causing additional pain.
What shouldn’t I do if I have a lumbar stenosis?
If you notice symptoms of lumbar stenosis, it’s important not to ignore them or attempt to self-treat. Getting an accurate diagnosis is crucial to guide effective treatment and recovery. You should also avoid activities that involve prolonged sitting or standing, and make sure to take regular breaks to move around and keep your lumbar spine mobile.
Physiotherapy for a lumbar stenosis.
Physiotherapy for lumbar stenosis primarily focuses on exercise to maintain mobility and strengthen the lower back. Massage and heat therapy may be applied to ease muscle spasms and alleviate pain. Hydrotherapy is also beneficial in reducing symptoms and providing pain relief. Additionally, electrotherapy methods such as ultrasound and Megapulse can help decrease pain and promote healing.
- Postural education to improve alignment and reduce strain
- Gentle joint mobilisation to increase spinal mobility
- Core strengthening exercises to support the lumbar spine
- Nerve gliding techniques to ease nerve irritation
- Balance and gait training to improve stability
- Activity modification advice to prevent symptom aggravation
Can a lumbar stenosis in the hand have any long-term effects?
Mild lumbar stenosis can often be effectively managed with physiotherapy. However, since it is a degenerative condition, staying active is crucial to reduce the likelihood of symptoms returning. In cases of more severe lumbar stenosis, symptoms tend to be more persistent, and rehabilitation may take longer. Starting physiotherapy as early as possible generally leads to better outcomes.
To arrange an appointment, please call +65 81535374 or visit acephysiosports.com.
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