Spinal Stenosis

I don't have spinal stenosis, but have had a L5/S1 lumbar fusion (rods and metalwork), this 30 years ago. For about 20 years my low back was pretty good (relative to how it was before). I could swim, walk (mountains), cycle and some light running and just about sit 4 hours on a plane, but the fragility of my back was still there. I still couldn't sit doing a full-time job, but overall I did feel a lot better and could do a lot more.

The operation itself went well, with very little pain afterwards (that was a new bruising type pain which was different to 'my usual pain'), and this settled down in about a month. In that time, due to the lack of pain I'd occasionally do things too quickly and my back would let me know. My advice is go slow, build up slowly so it's not to aggravate your back while it's healing. But in general, keep moving don't just sit in front of the telly or lie in bed.

My biggest mistake I believe after I had my initial operation was not using my back once the initial operation pain had died down (so after about four to six weeks). It had been drilled into me to keep my back straight and bend the legs at all times. Whilst this is good advice for picking up and lifting anything heavy, I was doing this for everything I picked up, even picking up a coin from the floor, also standing and moving very rigidly too. In the short term this is ok, but I was like this for years.

If I knew then what I know now, I'd use in a sensible way (bend) my back more and use my body in a more relaxed way. I'd also be more diligent in doing stretching and strengthening of my back exercises instead of just relying on activities.

Your condition may require otherwise, check with your specialist.