As we get older, our body will begin to show signs of wear and tear. One way our body may age is through the diagnosis of spinal stenosis.
This condition involves the narrowing of the spinal cord and is common among those 50 years of age and older.
For those who recently got diagnosed with spinal stenosis, you might be wondering what you can do to ensure life from there on out is manageable. The following tips will help you as you transition to live with spinal stenosis.
Stay in Shape
Exercising is important no matter what. However, it becomes even more critical when one has been diagnosed with spinal stenosis.
Proper exercise can do a lot for the body, including aiding with spinal stenosis. Part of the reason exercise helps those with spinal stenosis is due to the fact that it improves blood circulation. Better circulation helps eliminate toxins and encourages nourishment to get absorbed where it needs to be – in this case, the spine.
Work on Your Posture
Bad posture is only going to worsen the pain associated with spinal stenosis and apply more pressure than the spine can handle. That being said, it’s crucial to ensure your posture is proper when standing, lying down, walking, and sitting.
If your posture isn’t great, it’s definitely something that can be worked on. There are certain exercises, posture corrector products, and even medical professionals that may be able to help you gradually correct your posture as naturally as possible.
Eat Well
A healthy, well-balanced diet is critical no matter our age. Eating well is even more critical, though, for those with spinal stenosis. After all, the spine needs proper nourishment as do the other parts of our bodies.
To ensure your spine has the nutrients it needs to remain as healthy and as functional as possible, it’s critical to focus on consuming mainly fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. When consuming proteins, focus on lean meats, fish, quality poultry, nuts, eggs, and legumes. Avoid as much refined sugar, high sodium foods, and saturated/trans fats as possible.
Apart from eating the proper foods, it’s also important to ensure you’re eating the right amount of calories. The right amount of calories can help you prevent weight gain or even lose weight, and as one can imagine, being overweight can contribute to further spinal problems.
Opt for Therapy to Aid with the Pain
Part of having spinal stenosis is occasionally dealing with spinal pain. In the event that you are looking for a solution to minimize the pain, it’s recommended to engage in heat or cold therapy to soothe the affected area(s) and promote healing overall.
Conclusion
Living with spinal stenosis may not be easy, but there are ways to make life easier and less of a hassle with this diagnosis. Staying in shape, working on proper posture, eating healthy, and choosing to get therapy are all ways to make life with spinal stenosis a little easier.
