Spinal Stenosis Patient Education

What is Spinal Stenosis?

Spinal stenosis is when the spaces inside your spine become smaller. This can press on your spinal cord or nerves. It often happens in the lower back or neck.

Causes and Risk Factors

• Aging (most common cause)
  
  

• Arthritis (wear and tear on joints)
  
  

• Herniated discs (when a disc slips out of place)
  
  

• Thickened ligaments
  
  

• Spinal injuries or fractures
  
  

• Tumors in the spine (less common)
  
  

• Genetics (family history)
  
  

• Repeated heavy lifting or bending
  
  

Signs and Symptoms

• Pain in your back, neck, or legs
  
  

• Numbness or tingling in your arms or legs
  
  

• Weakness in your arms or legs
  
  

• Trouble walking or balance problems
  
  

• Feeling stiff or having cramps in legs
  
  

• Symptoms get worse when standing or walking and improve when sitting or bending forward
  
  

Early Warning Signs

• Mild numbness or tingling in fingers or toes
  
  

• Mild weakness in legs or arms
  
  

• Slight changes in walking or balance
  
  

Complications if Untreated

• Loss of feeling or strength in arms or legs
  
  

• Trouble walking or standing
  
  

• Loss of bladder or bowel control (in severe cases)
  
  

• Permanent nerve damage
  
  

Treatment and Self-Care Measures

• Rest and avoid activities that make pain worse
  
  

• Physical therapy to strengthen muscles and improve balance
  
  

• Using a brace or support if recommended
  
  

• Applying heat or ice to ease pain and swelling
  
  

• Doing gentle exercises like walking or swimming
  
  

• Losing weight if overweight to reduce pressure on the spine
  
  

Common Medications

• Pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol)
  
  

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil) to reduce pain and swelling
  
  

• Muscle relaxants to ease muscle spasms
  
  

• Sometimes steroid injections to reduce inflammation
  
  

Purpose:
Medications help control pain and swelling so you can move better.

Possible Side Effects:

• Stomach upset or ulcers (NSAIDs)
  
  

• Drowsiness or dizziness (muscle relaxants)
  
  

• Increased blood sugar or weakened immunity (steroids)
  
  

Always follow your doctor's instructions and tell them if you feel side effects.

Dietary Needs

• Eat healthy foods rich in calcium and vitamin D for strong bones (milk, yogurt, leafy greens, fish)
  
  

• Stay hydrated
  
  

• Avoid too much caffeine and alcohol as they can affect bone health
  
  

Lifestyle Changes

• Stay active with low-impact exercises
  
  

• Maintain a healthy weight
  
  

• Practice good posture
  
  

• Use proper lifting techniques (bend your knees, not your back)
  
  

• Avoid smoking (it slows healing and weakens bones)
  
  

Safety Considerations

• Use handrails on stairs
  
  

• Remove tripping hazards at home
  
  

• Wear comfortable, supportive shoes
  
  

• Avoid standing for long times without breaks
  
  

• Use assistive devices if needed (cane, walker)
  
  

Prevention and Maintenance Tips

• Keep your back strong and flexible with exercise
  
  

• Take breaks if you sit or stand a lot
  
  

• Avoid heavy lifting or twisting your back suddenly
  
  

• Keep regular doctor visits to monitor your condition
  
  

• Follow your treatment plan carefully
  
  

Tips to Avoid Going to the Hospital

• Take medicines as prescribed
  
  

• Do your physical therapy exercises
  
  

• Use ice or heat for pain relief
  
  

• Watch for worsening symptoms and report early
  
  

• Avoid falls or injuries
  
  

When to Call for Help

Call your Home Health Nurse or Doctor if you experience:

• Increased pain that doesn’t get better with medicine
  
  

• New numbness, tingling, or weakness
  
  

• Trouble walking or balance problems worsening
  
  

• Trouble controlling bladder or bowels starting
  
  

• Side effects from medications (like stomach pain, dizziness, rash)
  
  

Go to the Emergency Room if you have:

• Sudden loss of bladder or bowel control
  
  

• Severe weakness or paralysis in legs or arms
  
  

• Severe back or neck pain after an injury or fall
  
  

• Loss of feeling in your private areas
  
  

• High fever with back pain (possible infection)
  
  

© 2025 Judith Regan / K.N.O.W. – Knowledge for Nurturing Optimal Well-Being. All rights reserved. | Educational use only | Not a substitute for medical advice | In emergencies call 911

Patient Homework/Assessment

Instructions:
Read each statement carefully. Choose True or False. If the statement is false, correct it.

1. True or False: Spinal stenosis means the spaces inside your spine become smaller.
   
   

2. True or False: Only young people get spinal stenosis.
   
   

3. True or False: Arthritis can cause spinal stenosis.
   
   

4. True or False: Numbness in your arms or legs can be a sign of spinal stenosis.
   
   

5. True or False: You should avoid all physical activity if you have spinal stenosis.
   
   

6. True or False: Pain that gets better when sitting might be from spinal stenosis.
   
   

7. True or False: Loss of bladder control can be a serious complication of spinal stenosis.
   
   

8. True or False: Physical therapy can help improve symptoms of spinal stenosis.
   
   

9. True or False: You should always take more medicine than prescribed to feel better faster.
   
   

10. True or False: Eating foods high in calcium can help keep your bones strong.
    
    

11. True or False: Smoking helps your spine heal faster.
    
    

12. True or False: It is safe to bend your back quickly to lift heavy objects.
    
    

13. True or False: Wearing supportive shoes can help prevent falls.
    
    

14. True or False: You should call the doctor if your symptoms get worse or new symptoms appear.
    
    

15. True or False: Heat and ice can be used to reduce pain and swelling.
    
    

16. True or False: Muscle relaxants have no side effects.
    
    

17. True or False: Maintaining a healthy weight helps reduce pressure on your spine.
    
    

18. True or False: You should remove tripping hazards in your home to avoid falls.
    
    

19. True or False: If you suddenly lose leg strength or feeling, it is okay to wait a few days before seeking help.
    
    

20. True or False: Regular checkups with your doctor can help manage spinal stenosis better.
    
    

Individualized Questions for You

1. What specific symptoms have you been feeling related to your spinal stenosis?
   
   

2. Have you had any recent changes in your ability to walk or balance?
   
   

3. What medications are you currently taking for your spinal stenosis? Have you noticed any side effects?
   
   

4. When was your last visit to your healthcare provider for your spine?
   
   

5. Have you tried physical therapy or exercises? Which ones?
   
   

6. What does your daily diet usually include? Do you eat foods high in calcium and vitamin D?
   
   

7. Are you currently using any assistive devices for walking or balance?
   
   

8. Have you experienced any numbness, tingling, or weakness recently?
   
   

9. Do you smoke or use tobacco products?
   
   

10. What activities or movements seem to make your pain worse?