Exercises LWS | Spinal canal stenosis – exercises from physiotherapy

Exercises LWS

Spinal canal stenosis usually affects the lumbar spine, since this is where the greatest mechanical stress is exerted by a hollow cross position. The following exercises help to counteract this posture: Exercise 1: The affected person lies on a mattress in a supine position. The legs are positioned hip-wide and the arms lie relaxed next to the body.

The task is now to press the lumbar spine firmly down onto the mattress. Tense the stomach and pull the navel towards the spine. Hold position for 5 seconds, then release and repeat 5 times.

Exercise 2: The affected person goes into the quadruped position, the back is straight. Lift one leg from the pad and extend it backwards. Then put it down again and change the leg.

Repeat 10 times per side. Exercise 3: The patient lies on his back on a mattress. The legs are angled, the arms are at the sides of the body.

Now raise the pelvis until pelvis and knees are at about the same level. Tense the stomach. Now lower the pelvis again to just before the floor and raise it again immediately.

10 repetitions. Alternative: Hold the pelvis at the same height and alternately lift one foot. More exercises can be found in the articles:

  • Spinal canal stenosis – exercises for at home
  • Exercises against a hollow back
  • Exercises against spinal canal stenosis in the lumbar spine
  • Spinal canal stenosis in the lumbar spine – conservative treatment without surgery

Exercises BWS

Only rarely is the thoracic spine affected, since its natural oscillation forms a kyphosis (curvature forward). If spinal canal stenosis is present, the thoracic spine must be straightened, e.g. by the following exercises: Exercise 1: The affected person lies on a mattress in prone position. He stretches out his arms to the front.

The toes are straightened. Now alternately lift one arm and the opposite leg 1 cm from the mat for 5 seconds. The gaze remains directed to the floor.

3x on each side. Attention: Tense the stomach so that no hollow back is formed! Exercise 2: A towel is rolled up and placed on a mattress.

The patient lies on the mat in a supine position so that his thoracic spine lies exactly on the rolled towel. The feet are positioned hip-wide and the arms are laid down next to the head in U-position.Hold position for 5 minutes. Exercise 3: The patient stands hip-wide in front of a door frame.

Now raise his arms in a U-position and press with his hands against the door frame approximately at eye level. Now take a deep breath through your nose and, as you exhale, push your breastbone far forward, tense your abdomen and press your shoulder blades backward and down. 10 repetitions. More exercises for straightening the BWS can be found in the articles:

  • Exercises against a hunchback
  • Physiotherapy for a hunchback
  • Scheuermann’s disease