Water therapy for spinal canal stenosis by reducing pressure on the spinal cord and joints, increasing flexibility of the spine and strengthening central muscles, helps to reduce pain and improve performance in patients with spinal canal stenosis. This method is safe for most patients and can complement or replace a part of non-surgical treatments.

Spinal Stenosis is one of the most common spine problems that causes back pain, numbness, tingling and muscle weakness.

With age or due to problems such as disc, arthritis and stiffness of ligaments, the space of the spinal canal is reduced and compressed. It develops on the nerve roots. Affected people often seek non-surgical methods to reduce pain and improve movement. Water therapy or hydrotherapy, using the physical properties of water, is an effective and low-risk option that can reduce pressure on the spinal cord and increase flexibility and muscle strength.

Spinal canal stenosis: definition, symptoms and causes

Getting to know this disease

Spinal canal stenosis is a condition where the space inside the spinal canal is reduced and causes pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots.
The space can occur in the lumbar or cervical regions and cause cervical spinal canal stenosis and cause different symptoms depending on the severity of the disease.

Common symptoms

from Symptoms of spinal stenosis can be mentioned as follows:

• Back or neck pain that worsens when standing or walking for a long time.
• Numbness or tingling in the legs or hands.
• Muscle weakness and loss of balance.
• Feeling prematurely tired when Movement.

Causes and risk factors

• Intervertebral discs: decrease in disc height and protrusion
• Arthritis: extra bone growth and pressure on the spinal canal
• Tiffness of ligaments: limiting the flexibility of the spine
• Aging: tissue breakdown and reduced flexibility
• Genetics and lifestyle: inactivity, overweight and history Family

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Correlation of symptoms with pressure on the spinal cord

Pressure on nerve roots causes pain, numbness, tingling and muscle weakness. These symptoms are usually aggravated by intense physical activity or prolonged standing and are reduced to some extent by resting or bending forward.

Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy for spinal stenosis or hydrotherapy includes doing specialized exercises in the water environment. The physical properties of water, such as buoyancy, resistance and heat, help reduce pressure on the spine, increase range of motion, and strengthen muscles.

• Swimming: body weight is reduced by 90%, reducing pressure on the spinal cord and joints.
• Water resistance: muscles are strengthened without putting too much pressure. Inflammation.

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Benefits of hydrotherapy for spinal stenosis

• Reduce pain and inflammation
• Increase flexibility and range of motion of the spine Vertebra
• Strengthening of the central and supporting muscles of the spinal cord
• Reducing the need for painkillers and local injections
• Improving balance and reducing the risk of falls in the elderly

Limitations and warnings of this treatment method

• Patients with severe heart disease
• People with open wounds or skin infections
• Uncontrolled diabetes or circulatory disorders Severe

It is recommended to consult a physiotherapist or pain specialist before starting.

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Exercises and how to do water Treatment

Stretching and strengthening exercises

• Stretching the spine in shallow water: with the help of a buoyancy bar, the body is stretched and the pressure on the discs is reduced.
• Strengthening of the core muscles (Core): sitting or standing in the water and performing rotational movements strengthens the abdominal and back muscles.
• Balance exercises: walking slowly in the water and using equipment Auxiliary.

Swimming and light movements

• Swimming and moving in water reduces pressure on the spinal cord and improves range of motion.
• Light exercises are suitable for people who are unable to exercise on land.

Number of sessions and training duration

• Usually 2 to 3 sessions per week, each session 30 to 60 minutes is recommended.
• For To see initial results, 4 to 8 weeks of continuous training is required.

Practical tips and equipment

• Using a therapy pool with a suitable temperature (32-35°C)
• Floating bands, swimming boards and water balls for balance exercises
• Presence of a physiotherapist or hydrotherapy expert in the sessions

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Comparison of hydrotherapy for spinal stenosis with other treatments

Note: water therapy, especially in mild to moderate cases, can replace or complement physiotherapy and drug therapy and delay the need for surgery. We recommend that you visit a pain specialist, Dr. Mohammad Hossein Delshad for specialized treatment.

Lifestyle and supplementary tips

• Sleep and suitable mattress: reduce pressure on the spine
• Walking and light exercise: maintain movement and flexibility
• Weight management: reduce pressure on the joints and Discs
• Daily Exercises in Water or Land: Complete Aquatherapy Program

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