The word “stenosis” is a medical term that means narrowing or constriction. When applied to the spine, it refers to any condition in which there’s a decrease in space between two vertebrae, such as with arthritis or bone spurs. Sometimes this can lead to the compression of nerves or the spinal cord. Finding a specialist such as Dr. William L Yancey is elemental when having the condition. They can guide you on the right lifestyle changes to make. Here are some of them.
Do Regular Stretching
One of the best ways to ease the symptoms of spinal stenosis is by doing some regular stretching. This will help keep your spine flexible and improve blood circulation. There are many different stretches you can do, so find one or two that work best for you and make them a part of your daily routine.
Watch Your Posture
Poor posture is one of the biggest culprits for spinal stenosis. Bad posture can put unnecessary stress on your spine, leading to inflammation and even more narrowing of the space between the vertebrae. Make a conscious effort to sit and stand up straight and avoid slouching as much as possible.
Stay Active
Another way to help ease the symptoms of spinal stenosis is to stay active. Exercise helps improve blood circulation and flexibility, which can help reduce pain and inflammation. Walking, swimming, and gentle stretching are all good exercises if you have spinal stenosis. Just be sure to listen to your body and take things easy at first if you’re not used to being active.
Quick Smoking Cessation
Smoking is terrible for your health in general, but it can also make the symptoms of spinal stenosis worse. That’s because smoking decreases blood circulation and can lead to the formation of bone spurs. If you smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your health.
Eat a Healthy Diet
A healthy diet is vital for everyone, but it’s imperative if you have spinal stenosis. Eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help improve your overall health and reduce inflammation. Avoid foods high in saturated fat and sugar, as they can be bad for your spine and contribute to weight gain.
Maintain a Healthy Body Weight
Obesity is another significant risk factor for spinal stenosis. Carrying excess weight can put unnecessary strain on your spine, leading to inflammation and further narrowing of the space between the vertebrae. If you’re overweight, losing even a few pounds can help ease the symptoms of spinal stenosis.
Limit Your Time in Bed
Getting too much rest can also worsen the symptoms of spinal stenosis. When you’re inactive, your muscles can weaken, and your spine can become stiffer. Try to get up and move around every few hours, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Taking a short walk or doing some light stretching is an excellent way to stay active without overdoing it.
Some lifestyle changes can help manage spinal stenosis. Remember to talk to your doctor before starting any new exercise routine, and be sure to listen to your body and take things easy at first if you’re not used to being active.
