Cycling. It is fun. It is relaxing.
It is a sport all ages can enjoy. It is
a way to get relief from spinal stenosis related back pain.
Executive Chiropractic of Iowa is glad to suggest an enjoyable
exercise option with West Des Moines chiropractic back pain patients for more
West Des Moines back pain relief.
WHAT IS LUMBAR SPINAL STENOSIS
Lumbar spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the spinal canal
area in the low back. Such narrowing results from
spinal conditions like degenerative disc disease and disc
herniation. In older folks, lumbar spinal stenosis is common. As we age, our discs lose nutrition
and height - more so for some of us than others - which leads to that narrowing. Going to the grocery store turns out to be a delight
just to lean forward over the grocery cart as it feels good!
Why? Leaning forward flexes the spine and widens the spinal canal
space thus easing West Des Moines back pain.
WHY CYCLING
Researchers document that flexion-based
training like cycling effectively reduced back and enhanced
function and quality of life in older people with chronic low back pain. (1) Improving the oxygen flow is a good thing to improve
anyone’s view of life!
HOW CYCLING HELPS RELIEVE West Des Moines BACK PAIN FROM LUMBAR SPINAL
STENOSIS
For older patients with lumbar spinal stenosis pain that’s continued for years, an improved
quality of life is welcome! One
study explored how cycling affected older back pain patients. Their average age
was 70.9 years. Some were apprehensive of cycling due
to fear of pain and fatigue, feeling the bike was too big,
believing they didn’t have time to cycle, and not being motivated to do it. (Sounds like all of us sometimes! West Des Moines
folks do need to set aside time to exercise no
matter how old we are!) Those who got over those issues and cycled were pleased with their clinical improvement (reduced leg pain and disability)
and realized that the bicycle was simple. (1) You never know until you try! Executive Chiropractic of Iowa urges
our West Des Moines chiropractic patients to attempt novel
things to assist with their West Des Moines back pain relief.
CYCLING HELPS AVOID BACK SURGERY
Something new that many West Des Moines chiropractic
patients don’t want to try is back surgery. When
the pain is really uncomfortable, a back surgery may
appear like an answer. In a study done at
a spine surgery center, patients with lumbar spinal stenosis and low back pain participate
in a 4 months’ training program using a stationary bicycle.
They cycle at about 70% of maximal capacity. Almost half
of the patients got better so much that they did not need
spinal surgery. (2) Now that is a benefit West Des Moines
lumbar spinal stenosis patients desire!
CONTACT Executive Chiropractic of Iowa
Listen to this PODCAST
with Dr. Kurt Olding talking about a case of lumbar spinal stenosis relieved
with Cox Technic spinal manipulation on The Back Doctors Podcast with Dr.
Michael Johnson.