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Published on: February 9, 2024
Lumbar spinal stenosis: can positional therapy alleviate pain?
Stuart M Goldman1, E Joan Barice, Wendy R Schneider
1The Charles E. Schmidt College of Biomedical Science, Department of Clinical Science and Medical Education & Center of Excellence, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, USA.
The Journal of Family Practice
|April 9, 2008
Summary
Positional therapy using a wheeled walker to induce lumbosacral flexion improved walking and reduced pain in spinal stenosis patients. This conservative approach offers short-term benefits with minimal risks.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Spinal stenosis causes debilitating walking limitations and neurogenic pain.
- Conservative management options are sought for patients unsuitable for surgery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of positional therapy with a wheeled walker for spinal stenosis symptoms.
- To assess improvements in ambulation and pain relief.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case series analysis of 52 patients with spinal stenosis.
- Treatment involved a wheeled walker adjusted to induce lumbosacral flexion.
Main Results:
- 58% of patients showed excellent improvement in ambulation.
- 46% of patients with neurogenic pain reported excellent pain relief.
- Moderate to excellent improvement in ambulation and pain was observed in a majority of patients.
Conclusions:
- Positional therapy with a wheeled walker may relieve lower extremity symptoms in spinal stenosis.
- Further randomized trials are needed to confirm these findings with objective endpoints.
- This conservative strategy offers a low-risk option for symptom management.
