Physical Therapy Treatments, Including Neural Mobilization and Hip/Back Stretches for People Between 50-89 With Lumbar Spinal Stenosis and Leg Pain Provoked by Walking

Neural And Hip Mobilizations In Patients With Neurogenic Claudication Associated With Degenerative Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: A Case Series

Aging of the back is common in the older people and can result in difficulties standing and walking. Conservative treatment is recommended before considering surgery. Some recommended exercises involve the use of expensive equipment. The present study plans to evaluate if specifically moving the nerves in the legs/back and improving flexibility of the hip and back can benefit patients. These exercises require no equipment, are simple to perform, and can provide patients a way to continue to perform these exercises at home. The purposes of this study are to (1) observe the benefit of a treatment program involving moving the nerves of the leg/back, stretching the legs and low back in patients with low back pain and difficulties walking; and (2) determine if benefits received remain at a 3-month follow-up.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adults aged between 50-89 years old
• Intermittent unilateral or bilateral leg pain occurring with walking and standing activities that is relieved only with sitting or by assuming flexed positions
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) confirmation of lumbar spinal stenosis
• Leg symptoms greater than 4/10 and provoked within 15 minutes of walking

Exclusion Criteria:

• Prior lumbar surgery
• Spinal injection in last 6 weeks
• Impaired walking tolerance due to factors other than neurogenic claudication
• Inability to follow the rater's instructions
• Any medical contra-indication for hip mobilizations in extension or flexion
• Current medico-legal issues