Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the open spaces within the spine. The condition puts pressure on the spinal cord and the nerves and can cause pain, tingling, numbness, muscle weakness, and incontinence. Most of the time, it is the effect of wear and tear related to osteoarthritis. Bone spurs will start to form and intrude on the spinal canal and irritate the spinal cord. Therefore, symptoms can worsen and lead to loss of balance and difficulty walking. The Cervical and Lumbar are where it occurs. It is rare for the Thoracic to have the condition. Medication, physical therapy, steroid injections, and surgery have been ways to treat stenosis. There are two types, Central and Lateral. Central stenosis is the narrowing of the central canal where the spinal cord travels. Lateral stenosis is the narrowing of the openings between vertebrae where the nerve roots exit the spine.
Yoga Therapy and Stenosis
Yoga Therapy has come into the picture recently as an alternative to treating pain due to stenosis. The focus is on working with the injury safely. The main focus is dealing with the way the mind perceives the pain. The purpose of this holistic body/mind approach allows the recovery process to be smoother and easier to manage. Yoga Therapy will help to avoid taking heavily prescribed pain medications that may lead to addiction to opiates.