Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Care in Ottawa
Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is one of the most common causes of pain, disability and loss of independence in older adults. It is typically caused by degenerative arthritis in your lower back. This condition occurs when the spinal canals or the vertebral foramina become narrowed, leading to compression of the spinal cord or spinal nerves that supply your lower back and legs. Lumbar spinal stenosis can bring on progressive pain and limited mobility which makes walking very difficult, especially for longer distances.
Compression of the spinal nerves can cause pain, burning, numbness, tingling and weakness of the legs, buttock and lower back. Symptoms can limit your ability to stand or walk for long periods of time, which significantly impacts your quality of life.
Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Boot Camp
The Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Boot Camp is a brainchild of Dr. Carlo Ammendolia, a world-renowned researcher whose focus is the non-surgical approach to degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis. This Boot Camp is one of the few research-supported approaches to help overcome the symptoms of lumbar spinal stenosis.
The Boot Camp was initially offered at Toronto Mount Sinai Hospital. This concept went on to gain immense popularity among professionals and patients seeking non-invasive interventions for lumbar spinal stenosis. We now offer the Boot Camp at Ottawa Health: Performance and Rehabilitation.
Improved Mobility Within Weeks
The boot camp relies on prescribed physical activity and specialized physical mobilizations to improve mobility in patients who find it nearly impossible to be on their feet. Clinical trials show that the Boot Camp program for LSS is effective for improving walking ability, reducing pain and improving overall function both in the short and long-term:
- Twice daily, the patient is required to engage in specific exercises that focus on restoring strength to weak back and leg muscles.
- Twice weekly, our chiropractor performs adjustments and mobilizations that target the lumbar or lower spine. These manipulations improve joint function and mobility. We also rely on various soft tissue techniques to stimulate muscles, improve circulation and boost the body’s self-healing mechanism.
- At Ottawa Health: Performance and Rehabilitation, we are equipped with a custom-made spinal decompression table. Twice per week, the table is used to decompress the spine and promote movement within the joints.
- Over the course of six weeks, patients undergo intensive care that results in increased mobility. We keep an eye on the patient’s movement abilities using a weekly pedometer step test.
- By the end of the 6 weeks you’ll have all the tools and education to continue progressing on your own. You will most likely notice that performing the exercises will keep you feeling better and with less pain.
Besides offering hands-on care, our team empowers patients to take greater control of their condition by providing relevant information and advising on self-management strategies.
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