Effectiveness of Regular Physiotherapy in Enhancing Claudication Symptoms and Functional Outcomes in Patients with Spinal Canal Stenosis.

Abstract

Introduction:  Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) causes neurogenic claudication that hinders mainly one’s mobility and quality of life. It is now accepted that physiotherapy is a useful conservative measure especially when surgery cannot be done. This paper aims to assess the impact of an organized physiotherapy intervention on the ability to walk and the level of dependency in LSS patients.

Material and Methods:  A physiotherapy program of 6 weeks was carried out on 172 patients with LSS and neurogenic claudication. The manual therapy included core stabilization, flexibilities in the lumbar, and strengthening in the lower limb. Walking ability (Swiss Spinal Stenosis Scale), pain levels (VAS), disability (ODI, RMDQ), and walking distance were assessed. SPSS was used for statistical analysis with a p < 0.05 significance.

Results:  Physiotherapy reduced leg pain (VAS 7.9 ± 1.3 to 2.6 ± 0.9, p < 0.001), back pain (6.5 ± 1.4 to 2.9 ± 1.0, p < 0.001) among 172 patients (64% male, mean age 68.4 years). Walking ability and disability improved (SSS and ODI, p < 0.001) and walking distance increased from 215.7 ± 42.5 to 482.3 ± 67.3 meters. Minimal adverse effects were reported.

Conclusion:  As a safe nonoperative medical approach physiotherapy demonstrates high effectiveness in treating LSS patients by enhancing their mobility pain relief and independence levels. Surgical procedures have a powerful competitor in this nonoperative treatment that patients select for their conservative options.