Hey Docs, looking for some advice. I have a new client looking to join my gym. She is in her 50s and has cervical spinal stenosis. I have not yet met her, so I do not know how severe her condition is, but I also know nothing about this condition.
I am considering getting a note from her doctor to help clarify the severity and clear her for exercise as a precaution. I have also read that getting regular exercise and using proper body mechanics may help reduce the chances of spinal stenosis from becoming worse, so I would love to take her in, learn more about stenosis and help.
This is a broad question, but do you have advice in general, references to read, or possible exercises to do or avoid? We have barbells, dumbbells and rowers among others.
I believe in the concept of exercise as medicine, but I am also wondering if this may be something that needs more specialized care, and that we are potentially not the best fit. Trying to get a sense for how careful i need to be.
Hey PieterC - thanks for the questions. This will largely depend on the individual’s experience/symptoms and why they sought consultation that led to the narrative of cervical spinal stenosis. With this in mind, we can offer more guidance. I think having a Doctor’s release/clearance is appropriate if you have reservations or concerns and want to cover your bases. There aren’t typically movements to permanently avoid in this context but depending on the individual’s experience may require graded progression for symptomatic exercises over time that are important to meet their goals. Hope that helps.