Thank you very much for this very informative video. Having lived with progressive difficulty walking and forward leaning posture as you describe, I have viewed many videos on the subject, but yours is the best in explaining clearly the pathophysiology of spinal stenosis and practical approach to alleviate the discomfort. Please bring more of such helpful videos. Thanks again and more power to you 👏👏👏👏👏
You're welcome. Thanks for your reply and your encouragement. There will be more videos on the way. In the meantime, check out our Back Pain and Sciatica Relief playlist for our past videos on the topic. ru-vid.com/group/PLsxYq2xJHBAmbnaeQmTgz23Wop1IYbFfM
I am fighting for surgery. Get no help. Life slips through my fingers. So much suffering. I got confirmed by this video. Thank you 🙏 for Good information.
Thank you so much for this info, I have watched quite a few of your videos & they are extremely helpful. I have had a hip replacement for 24 years, knee replacement for 6 years, now my left hip is going & have degeneration on the spine....all of your exercises are helping....thanks again. Xx
I have a walker with raised arm rests so that I don’t bend. It is like a breath of fresh air! After 10 spinal surgeries, stenosis and scoliosis, I can walk upright without discomfort with this walker, but I admit, the walker is more cumbersome. I recently saw one made of lightweight fabric, perhaps my next purchase.😊
I have reversed neck -7 due to three high impact head injuries and scoliosis as well as spine stenosis. Lower spine was ripped halfway from pelvic bone at age 11. Therefore I have hip displacement. My sciatic nerve is huge. Doctor stated it is bigger than he has ever seen. Most all injuries occurred at very young ages and some in teens and adulthood. Thanks for the technique’s. 🕊❤️🕊
I use hiking poles that I use when walking any distance. My Physical Therapist got me started using these and they have been a life changer for me. They allow me to stand straighter and help with balance. I also have a seat walker as this allows me to go places where I'm not sure I will find seating.
I’m using a type of walking poles called “Activator poles”. They allow you to put some weight on the poles through the handles, and that engages your abdominals to help open up the space in the spine. I can walk upright pain free for miles using the poles and they are also great for balance on uneven terrain because they won’t collapse when you put weight on them.
Yes that's exactly what I need I think that's what I have I'm going to attempt to try some of these exercises to see if they might help me. Thank u for sharing ur informative video. I really enjoyed it alot
I use hiking sticks, they look like ski poles. Take the strain out of back./ hips. Find I sort of panic when I need to sit and rest. Must be a proper seat ,not a narrow seat, but a sort of rush to sit. Sometimes I end up sitting on the ground.
We went to a reptile show two weeks ago, and I thought I would die. I’ve had fusion at L4 and 5, and it hurts to walk unaided. I feel like I’m tilted forward, that makes it worse. My surgeon basically blew me off and I quit going. I have DDD and spondy.
My spinal stenosis causes me to walk really bent over, the problem is is my knees, as soon as i try to walk my knees wont move forward until I've arched my back forward, then is the only time i can move.
For the short term, walking bent over is a good idea. Longer term if you get your hip flexors stretched out, it will likely allow you to walk more upright.
Thank you for this video. I have watched several of your videos and have learned lots. But I'm one video you have a decompression wrap that you sell, but i can't find the site for your store for it. Can you tell me what it is?
I don't personally sell it, but the site is storeddsmed.wpengine.com/shop/dds-300-decompression-belt/ You can use my discount code DRCANDY10 and save 10%
I have been practicing exercises for lumbar spinal stenosis for two years, and the improvement is slow. My life has completely stopped. Did i perform the surgery with slides and screws?
I have spinal stenosi& use a cane. I understand the reson of using the cane on opposite side of affected leg. Problem is I have a plate & healing shatered wrist on the other side. Please any advice?
To protect your wrist while healing, a forearm rollator walker is probably the best option. amzn.to/3pk4B5m Once it's fully healed up, a forearm crutch may give you better wrist stability than a cane. amzn.to/42raCLO *As an Amazon associate, I earn commission from purchases made through these links. However, I only recommend products that I truly believe are helpful.
That's a vast question as there are so many different forms of chiropractic. I'm a physical therapist, so my bias is toward physical therapy, but there are many different physical therapy approaches as well. Honestly, I don't think it matters what profession someone is in. Find someone who seems to have a thorough understanding of your problem, takes the time to explain it to you in a way that you can understand, and who lays out WHAT the treatment plan will be as well as WHY they expect that treatment approach will help you. If it doesn't make sense to you, then find someone else. Once you start treatment, you should notice at least SOME improvement in 30 days. As an aside, at More 4 Life, we use both hands-on treatments such as spinal manipulation and trigger point therapy along with postural changes, exercises, and lifestyle modification.
Thanks for your comment. Here's a video that just posted today to answer your question about walking with bone on bone knee arthritis: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-63SJMytfL08.html And here's one about hip arthritis from last week: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-PZTPPBVWW0w.html
Thank you . May i ask : i have been diagnose with Spinal stenosis.but i have mostly pain in the left side very seldom on the right side. Must i wait for the pain to subside?
You're welcome. Waiting for the pain to subside rarely helps and is often the worse thing to do. You have to be proactive about finding a solution and *making* the pain subside.
Largely the same approach, yes. Here's another video to check out with tips for neurogenic claudication and vascular claudication. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-lkzh4TldcLw.html
Stenosis is progressive. Surgery is necessary. Don’t wait too long. Ask your pain management Dr. at what point should you have surgery. You want it to be minimally invasive.
Thank you for your well done video. I tried the hip flexor stretches as you showed them and I had immediate relief. I don’t expect it to be a miracle cure but have extreme pain from lumbar stenosis. The best advice I can give anyone is treatment is multi disciplinary approach. Each thing I do helps somewhat, keep learning and being open to try different approaches. Thank you again. ❤
I have both types of stenosis in my lumbar and neck. And arthritis in them both😢 So much pain. I’m trying to help myself by watching these videos. Thank you for your video. I appreciate your advise ✌️🌹
but i cant even stand properly how do i fix that .like im suffering this problem since last 2 years and now i am in a condition that i cant even uster up the strenght to stand like it feels like i dont have ny legs i have asked my doctor but it does not do a thing
Sorry to hear that. That's not a simple question with a simple answer, but here's a video that may help some. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-waZxS5OS1DY.html
How do you know what type of stenosis you have what test tells. I had an attack where I couldn’t stand up use my arms or legs it was terrifying it took strong drugs and physically therapy to get slowly better but still remain weak in my arms and legs
If it affects your ARMS as well as your legs, then that's more likely cervical stenosis, or some other neck problem as the nerves to your arms come from your neck. An MRI is the best definitive test to tell if you have central and/or lateral stenosis. Here's a video about cervical stenosis that may give you some more insights: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE--EQXlZV5DdY.html
I was diagnosed with lumbar spinal stenosis after taking a crashing sideways fall from my bicycle following a sudden front wheel puncture. I had an epidural but wasn't aware of any relief. I'm fortunate that pain per se is not my problem, which is more of a projected weakness through the hips to the legs that the use of two walking canes (adjustable) offsets and enables me to walk for modest distances without undue difficulty. I am also lucky that flexing the legs from the hips is not a bar to taking up a driving seat position in my car (an automatic which assists in limiting leg and hip movement while driving). Sitting and sleeping generally requires sensible positioning and initial rising from a seated position can be akin to something of a physical "kick-start" to get moving. But once on the go, things can get a little easier, although the body soon lets me know otherwise on occasions. It's a question of using the body sensibly in exercise and some indoor work-outs (e.g. leg raises and leg swings while supported between two firm surfaces by the arms (think of being between parallel bars in a gym) help keep flexibility and muscle groups of the back and hips usefully employed. Thanks for your clear video and its matter of fact message about what is possible and useful in my 80th year. I think that my weight training interests in younger days have been a defensive factor is lessening the effect of my fall and the likelihood of even more concerning results - like a fractured pelvis etc. in that unwelcome road accident some years ago.
Besides stenosis I have arthritis of the spine. I'm okay when sitting or up and moving, but sleeping or just lyng down is painful. I'm resigned to sleeping in a large chair. Is there anything I can do to limit pain while lying down?
Here are two videos that may help. Why does my back hurt lying down?: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-li1NlNexcI8.html Sleeping Positions To Relieve Back, Hip, & Knee Pain: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-ZwFRQBZdW4M.html
mine feels better if or when I use 2 canes, both slightly taller or longer than is as your cane . Is this alright. I think I have mainly foraminal spinal stenosises but I have never had a thorough description of my MRI from a doctor. it has been disappointing. I do have lumbar spinal stenosis
If it seems to work for you and help you walk better then it sounds like it's probably alright. If the canes are adjustable, you could try adjusting the height up and down, and find the height that works best for you.
Low grade spinal stenosis c-3-c7. moderate left neural foraminal stenosis seen c-3-c-4 I just recived these results . Curious on feedback ....Stretches?
The video you commented on is more about stenosis in the lower back. However, here's a video about cervical (neck) spinal stenosis. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE--EQXlZV5DdY.html
Please what to do I am fine except when I walk or stand for more than one minute I get right anterior thigh pain and knee pain and it spreads to the rt side of thigh so I just sit or lay down all day which can’t be good should I swim should I walk as much as I can stop every 2 min after the rest take advantage of the 1-2 minute window and keep walking more 😢
Walking in the water or swimming are good ideas. Where your pain is located it sounds like possibly hip flexors could be stiff, which compresses the spine and can also create some anterior thigh pain. So you could try stretching your hip flexors: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-KteXU8gs-bM.html Don't use this as a substitute for getting medical advice in person from a professional though.
I've just been issued with a shopper walker its musch better I wa diognoised with spinner stenosis twoand a half years ago the walker as made me stand up straight also lowering my shoulders iuse to tence up with a stick
Could gaining weight cause a sudden spinal stenosis? I'm 5'8"",and after being in a tractor trailer accident 3 years ago, I swear my arthritis got alot worse .But my back was fine after months of recuperating. But the arthritis of my knees and feet put some dampers on walking very much. The past two weeks ,my back has suddenly pained me. Symptoms of spinal stenosis perfectly. I now weigh 270 pounds . I will be dropping weight soon .. i had no new accident or strain on my back. It happened suddenly.
Gaining weight on its own wouldn't CAUSE spinal stenosis... at least not suddenly. However, if you had something that was just on the cusp of starting to hurt, the extra weight may have been enough to push it over the edge.
Thank you for your videos. I learned a lot. I had surgery for spinal stenosis at L3 and L4 in 2020. The doctor said he had not seen such a volume of ligament in the spinal canal before, and it took nearly a year before my nerves calmed down and I could walk. Lately I have symptoms again. I think I was pushing it too hard with yoga stretches and other strength exercises with weights. I am doing exercises you suggest and seeing some good improvement, but do you think squats without weights- would be harmful?
I can't speak to your case specifically, but in GENERAL, bodyweight squats are a great exercise. Here's a video about how to do them properly. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Yuavzx81Vek.html
@@More4Life Thanks again. They feel good, and your advice is really useful. At one time I used to squat with toes straight ahead, but now I do them the natural way.
You seem to have little awareness of patients that have to stand up straight then bend over use a cane and a shopping cart to walk. Legs go numb have had epidurals facet joint injections and radio-frequency ablations . Also disc ectomies and laminectony i got a lot of PT. The treatment is whatever the provider is trained in. Surgeons cut, therapists..,push push push internists dispense drugs. I am f.ed.
You need to view more of Dr Candy’s videos on all subjects. He definitely shows he knows challenges senior citizens face with mobility issues & difficulty getting down on the floor. He shows alternative methods for the same exercises!
That’s my main problem is the neck you have just described my condition it’s embarrassing when you are staggering as though you have been drinking it’s now affecting my lower spine
Sorry to hear that. Here's another video about spinal stenosis in the neck that may give you a little more information: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE--EQXlZV5DdY.html
A laminectomy is a serious surgery that comes with a fair amount of risk... anesthesia, risk of infection, risk of nerve injury or spinal cord injury. It's a last resort option if other things haven't worked. The goal of a laminectomy is to decompress the spinal cord, so it often helps with legs symptoms but may or may not help with back pain.
Thank you for exercises. I was told about needing surgery. Bit after reading about such severe side effects, I will just keep taking my gabapentin and Tylenol and doing your exercises and getting epidural injections.
Wow, I always knew it would be an answer one day, if I kept asking why can't I walk like I use too and I do have spinal stenosis but didn't realize it's why I can not walk without a cane or need to bend over to walk around. I wish I was in St Louis , but I'm not but I will follow everything you put out on the net, thank you, spinal stenosis has changed who I once was. It's a debilitating way to live.
New subscriber thank you so much I do have Spinal stenosis it is incredibly painful I have to walk and sit down every few feet please help I'm watched your other video on how to walk with lower back pain I never recognize I was walking forward until my doctor noticed it I have been living with this pain for so long
I’m 75 and seven months ago started taking vitamin K2. Along with peptide, collagen with bovine powder from sprouts. I’ve noticed I’m so much stronger everywhere. My cyst on my right wrist has disappeared also. Lacking in B12 and iron can be a problem.
This explanation confirms all my experience of the symptoms I have and how I try to manage my pain and discomfort. I was diagnosed with congenital spinal stenosis at age 48 and had a successful decompression of L4/ L5 right lumbar spine. 12yrs later I was diagnosed with L3/L4 stenosis on the lt. Surgery or injection was recommended. I choose injection but it did not help. I can only stand for 5mins before the pain starts, and it starts after about 10 mins of walking. As I walk I am leaning forward until I stop, and straighten up before continuing to walk. Exactly as you said it helps if I walk with a cane on the opposite side.However when I use the cane it gives me shoulder pain. I do try to keep active, but with a lot of pain and the analgesias don't give any relief. I have moved home and is now living in a different area from where I was diagnosed. The current neurosurgeon I am seeing tells me my MRI has not changed in 2yrs. He says I could have surgery but it may not work and could also be made worse. Leaning forward makes me feel as if I am breaking in two and I believe that is what is causing pain in the thoracic spine as the MRI is negative. I am 68 yrs old. I think that I should insist on the surgery as I believe it will only get worse as I get older and may bring more complications. I live in the UK. What is your view on this. Sorry for writing so much.
I can't advise you specifically if YOU should have surgery. In general, if it's only back pain, surgery is likely not the best option. If you have leg symptoms or bowel and bladder it may be an option. Like your neurolosurgeon mentioned, there is no guarantee that surgery will help and it could make things worse. The success rate for second back surgeries is less than 50% so its a coin toss at best. Good luck whatever you decide to do.
Not too much at all. I guess I should see a neurosurgeon as at 69 I am about to just give in to this and hit a wheelchair. All of your story is exactly as I feel and the only thing they have done is try and control my pain. I have mostly right sided pain up until the last few months. I feel it now in left hip and the neck has caused me to loose so much in use of hands. You have helped me so such. I thank you so much for replying. I wish you the best of luck and would really like to now how much your 1st surgery helped and if you decide to have another. Thank you.
I'm really happy to find you. I have lumbar stenosis, DDD, scoliosis, bulging discs all in the lumbar. Osteopenia in cervical. It makes sense now why my back feels like I have a big C, where it's like scoliosis but just going from front to back instead of from the side if that makes sense. Bowed feeling in the middle of my spine. I do stretching & some days I can walk a whole lot farther than others before it hurts so bad I want to cry. I do walk bent forward a bit & sometimes use the shopping cart to lean on. I do stretch which seems to help the bowing backwards feeling. I have days where my legs hurt so bad I want to cut them off. My one dr said it's from the stenosis. Is there anything I can do to ease or stop the pain in legs? Would water therapy be good to do? I always feel like I need to take pressure off my spine or see a chiropractor to put it back into place. I don't go to chiropractor anymore as I'm afraid it might make spine worse. Thank you for making these videos & sharing such great information. I don't live in your area or CV I'd come see you in person. Wanted to add that I use a tens unit which can help ease the pain when I have to walk much, do housework etc. I've had to wear it 24 hrs at a time to quiet the pain sometimes but it helps.
Sorry to hear you're having such trouble. I'm glad you found the video helpful. To answer your questions, walking in the water is helpful for a lot of people. Additionally, here's another related video that may offer some help: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-YSVYTw37ymE.html m4lpt.com/how-do-you-fix-spinal-stenosis-without-surgery/
This advice was something that felt like made for me especially. I had a small back operation 3 yrs ago and currently I feel as if the old pain would have returned. I was walking in a park about 4 years ago and suddenly 2 young men knocked me over with their bicycles. I just suddenly noticed I was lying down on the ground. It did not hurt, but my surgeon suspected that´s where I got hurt. Now I walk only with the help of a cane (on the opposite side) or a walker. So annoying! I used to be a good walker. I have no problems or pains when I sleep, sit or stand. Walking hurts and I walk hunched over with the cane, but straight with the walker. I shall keep doing your exercises. Thank you from Northern Europe.
I have two spacers for spinal stenosis. Best thing I ever did! I pain I had prior was excruciating . Went to pt after surgery. My muscles became so bad from walking bad for so long
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