I just read a very good book for spinal stenosis rehab patients by physical therapist Terri Night: “Rehab Your Own Spinal Stenosis: Strategies to Improve the Health of Your Spine.” First of all, it is very encouraging to note that many elderly people have spinal stenosis and have no symptoms. He notes that several factors, such as inflammation and hydration status, over which we have a lot of control, play a large role in how severe symptoms can be. He has worked with many patients over the years he did they have severe symptoms, often worse than mine, and have improved significantly using the strategies in the book, including aerobic exercise, stretching the spine and hips, strengthening the muscles around the spine, and lifestyle changes. There is a recent discussion of surgical options if symptoms persist or if you have more severe symptoms, including numbness or loss of bladder control.

I got some really good ideas from there on how to change activities to avoid losing the lumbar spine, as well as new exercises to try. I highly recommend this book for anyone with spinal stenosis.