Influence of physical therapy on lumbar spinal stenosis

Abstract

Degenerative disease of the lumbar spine is a common disabling disease that causes pain in the back and lower extremities and frequent reason for visits patients to physician 1. Lumbar spinal stenosis is the leading cause of spinal surgery in adults older than 65 years and impairs quality of life, in terms of reduced activity and limitations that affect psychosocial prosperity 2. Patients with an indication for operative treatment are clear case. But in their daily work, the dilemma is the treatment of those who are not candidates for surgical treatment or who refuse surgical treatment. Conservative treatment is aimed at alleviating the major clinical manifestations of degenerative instability and makes the patient long-lasting relief. Conservative treatment involves active physical therapy, conducting physical training at home, postural education and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs 3. Non-surgical treatment is almost always recommended as initial treatment 4.
The aim of this study was to evaluate whether physical therapy can lead to significant improvements in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis.