Spinal stenosis is a condition where narrowing within the vertebrae of the spinal column results in too much pressure on the spinal cord (central stenosis) or nerves (lateral stenosis). Spinal stenosis may occur in the neck or in the low back.

This can cause pain, numbness and other symptoms in the parts of the body served by that nerve.

Physical therapists in Edison, New Jersey, can help people treat spinal stenosis, and there are two therapy methods that are commonly used in these treatment plans. 

Active Release

In many cases, scar tissue and other problems can cause increased back muscle tension.

This greater tension can then contribute to spinal stenosis. One spinal stenosis physical therapy technique that can target tense muscles is active release.

Active release is actually a combination of two types of therapy.

Posture Education

Posture education is another therapy method typically used to treat spinal stenosis and other forms of back pain.

Posture means the position you hold your body in while sitting or standing, and you can fall into bad postural habits for several reasons. For one thing, you could have had an injury that weakened critical posture muscles in your back or neck.

Repetitive activities like slumping over while looking at a cellphone can also cause poor posture to develop.

For spinal stenosis patients, poor posture can actually decrease the space in your spinal canal even further. To counteract this, physical therapists will teach you ways to improve your posture and reduce stress on your spine.

This may include teaching you how to better position your computer screen to maintain better head and neck posture. This type of education can also include learning stretches for important posture muscles.

Schedule Your Appointment with Health Plus Physical Therapy