Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am. 2003 Feb; 14(1): 111-20.

Functional rehabilitation for degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis.

Rittenberg JD, Ross AE.

Center for Spine, Sports, and Occupational Rehabilitation, Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, 1030 North Clark Street, Suite 500, Chicago, IL 60610, USA. jrittenber@rehabchicago.org

Nonoperative treatment for lumbar spinal stenosis must address anatomic and biomechanical factors. The entire functional kinetic chain and patient specific goals must be considered. In addition to passive modalities, manual therapy, and patient education, an active program consisting of flexion-based lumbar stabilization exercises, hip mobilization, proprioceptive training, and general conditioning should be initiated. More studies are needed to establish the benefit of a comprehensive, multifaceted treatment approach and to prove its clear benefit over the natural history of lumbar spinal stenosis.