How may we help you?

Home » Spine Conditions » Spinal Stenosis » Massage for spinal stenosis

Massage for spinal stenosis

Managing your painful symptoms from spinal stenosis can be stressful; trying to balance your normal activities with chronic pain is one of the many difficulties this condition can bring. Massage for spinal stenosis can be an effective part of a treatment plan, because it can both temporarily relieve symptoms and also provide an overall wellness boost.

Spinal stenosis is narrowing of the spinal canal usually related to age-related conditions like arthritis, and can lead to chronic, debilitating pain. Normal activities, such as housework, your job or even just going out for the night can become ordeals. To learn more about spinal stenosis and why it occurs, visit our spinal stenosis and diagnosing spinal stenosis pages.

How massage therapy treats spinal stenosis symptoms

Symptoms from spinal stenosis can be local and also radiate to the arms, hips and legs. Some flexibility may be lost and there can be discomfort when leaning backward. You also may experience cramping, numbness and tingling. Massage can be a great choice to treat these specific symptoms.

The first step in seeking pain relief is to see your doctor for an accurate diagnosis of your condition. From there, you can work together to develop a plan of conservative treatment, possibly including massage physical therapy for spinal stenosis. The good news is that most people with stenosis find lasting relief and return to normal activities by following a course of nonsurgical options.

Massage therapy for spinal stenosis can include:

  • Deep tissue massage — A massage therapist can pinpoint the location of symptoms and use direct pressure to release tension.
  • Craniosacral therapy — This is an alternative treatment that uses therapeutic touch involving gentle manipulation of your head and other areas.
  • Swedish massage — Basic rubbing, kneading or stretching your muscles

When massage isn’t enough for pain relief

On occasion, some patients diagnosed with spinal stenosis require more than non-surgical treatment like massage therapy to live a fully functioning lifestyle once again. There are other options available for pain relief, including the state-of-the-art, minimally invasive procedures performed at USA Spine Care. Our procedures have quicker recovery times^ and lower risk of complication than other treatments like open back surgery. Contact us today for a no-cost review* of your MRI report, and to receive more information about whether you are a candidate for our outpatient procedures.

Learn more today

If you're living with spinal stenosis in the upper spine and searching for relief, reach out to USA Spine Care for help. Our multidisciplinary team is dedicated to helping people develop the right care plan to  reach treatment goals and achieve lasting relief.

Contact us today to learn more. Call toll free 1-866-249-1627.

Spinal Stenosis "Quick Answers"

Depending on the region and severity Spinal stenosis feels like tingling, burning and/or weakness in the hands, arms, neck, lower back or legs. It may also feel like a radiating pain or shooting shock-like pain. Read more in the links below: Spinal Stenosis Spinal Stenosis Overview Defining Spinal Stenosis Researching Spinal Stenosis Learning About Back Stenosis Spinal Stenosis Pathophysiology
The types of spinal stenosis are region based and consist of cervical (neck), thoracic (mid back) and lumbar or lower back. In addition, foraminal stenosis is the narrowing of the foramen. Read more in the links below: Spinal Stenosis of the Neck Cervical Stenosis - Basic Facts Neck Stenosis Causes Neck Stenosis Treatment Central Canal Stenosis Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Spinal Stenosis in the Back
Spinal Stenosis is the narrowing of the spinal canal. This condition, most often located in the Lumbar spine, may be caused by degeneration of the spine, wear and tear, sports injury, & collapsing discs. Read more in the links below. What Causes Spinal Stenosis? Obesity May Lead to a Stenosis Diagnosis Age and its Role in the Development of Spinal Stenosis Spinal Stenosis Causes Identifying Common Causes From Birth Defects to Getting Older Degenerative Conditions Car Accident Injuries
The symptoms of spinal stenosis include tingling or numbness in the extremities, pain and weakness in the neck, back and/or legs. In severe cases bladder, bowel dysfunction/continence. Learn more in the links below: What Are the Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis? Spinal Stenosis Symptoms Spinal Stenosis Diagnosis What Should I Do If I Think I Have Spinal Stenosis? Spinal Stenosis and Hand Pain Recognizing Spinal Stenosis Have You Been Diagnosed? About Your Diagnosis Diagnostic Process Helping Your Physician How a Diagnosis Is Made Arriving at a Diagnosis
Physician specialties that treat spinal stenosis include: Pain management & rehabilitation physicians, spine surgeons, orthopedic specialists & neurosurgeons. Read more about these specialties in the links below: Doctors Who Treat Spinal Stenosis Spinal Decompression Doctors
Patients can expect recovery to last 4-6 weeks in most cases (depending on the complexity of your condition). People who choose minimally invasive spine surgery recover faster and get back to work sooner than those who choose open back surgery. Read more in the links below: Recovery After a Procedure What to Expect Recovery Times

  • Problems from anesthesia.
  • A deep infection in the surgical wound.
  • A skin infection.
  • Blood clots.
  • Nerve injury, including weakness, numbness, or paralysis.
  • Tears in the fibrous tissue that covers the spinal cord and the nerve near the spinal cord. These tears may require more surgery.
  • Trouble passing urine, or loss of bladder or bowel control.
  • Long-term (chronic) pain, which happens after surgery in some cases.
  • The chance that the surgery won't relieve your symptoms. And even if you get better with surgery, there is a chance that you may get new symptoms in the future.
  • Death from problems caused by surgery, but this is rare.

Read more in the links below: Overview of Risk Factors Most Common Risk Factors Obesity & Spinal Stenosis Spinal Stenosis & Arthritis Treating Elderly Patients

TOP Call Now Button