Introduction
For those living with spinal stenosis, walking can become increasingly painful. However, using a walking aid such as a cane, stick, or rollator can provide much-needed support and help you stay active. They can also reduce your pain! Walking aids are particularly helpful for encouraging a forward-leaning posture, which is known to relieve spinal stenosis symptoms. Most people I see with spinal stenosis love walking with a stick or other aid it makes a huge difference to most people’s symptoms allowing them to travel further in comfort. So if you haven’t already tried it let’s take a look.
Why Walking Aids Help Spinal Stenosis
The use of walking aids reduces strain on your lower back by promoting a forward-leaning posture, which helps decompress the spine. Whether it’s a cane, walking poles or a rollator, these aids offer extra stability, allowing you to walk further with less discomfort. Forward-leaning positions are known to widen the spinal canal and reduce pressure on the nerves, making them an essential part of managing spinal stenosis symptoms. For more exercise ideas, refer to our post on the best exercises for spinal stenosis.
Types of Walking Aids for Spinal Stenosis
- Cane or Walking Stick – Ideal for patients with mild symptoms. A cane helps you maintain balance while encouraging the forward-leaning posture needed to reduce spinal pressure.
- Rollator – If you need more support, a rollator allows you to lean forward even more while walking, offering a stable and comfortable way to stay active.
- Walking Poles – Perfect for outdoor activities, walking poles help with balance while promoting a slight forward lean.
Other considerations.
Sitting – Sitting down regularly can also help to off-load the back so maybe consider an aid with a seat option.
Trolley Dolly – When you are in the supermarket take a trolley even if you don’t need much most of my patients with spinal stenosis love pushing a trolley as long as it’s not too heavy and moves well. This is because it gets them into a forward-lean position.
Shoes – Footwear may also have an impact on your ability to walk. For more information take a look at this blog.
Improve your Back Function – Spend time improving the strength and function of your back. You may find my Pain Free Back Program of interest.
Other Ideas – Managing Your Pain with Spinal Stenosis: Tips and Strategies for Lasting Relief
CLICK HERE TO JOIN ME ON MY FREE BACK PAIN MASTER CLASS – I would love to see you there.
Help With Walking Aids
If you need help choosing a walking aid take a look at this blog. Guide to Walking Aids.
I also have a couple of videos on my YouTube channel to help you use your aids correctly.
How to use with sticks https://youtu.be/TlBhlQwJPQM
How to use crutches https://youtu.be/nbEmWmOFGCk
How to use a frame https://youtu.be/8zCgyVhzFcY
UK-Based Research on Walking Aids
According to Versus Arthritis, using walking aids can significantly improve mobility and reduce pain in spinal stenosis patients. NHS resources also endorse the use of walking aids for chronic spinal conditions to maintain independence and support physical activity. Clinically I find they make a world of difference to people, so maybe give it a go.
Conclusion
Walking aids provide a practical solution for managing spinal stenosis pain. By encouraging a forward-leaning posture you can get around with less pain. Offering extra stability they can help you stay mobile and enjoy a more active lifestyle which will be of great benefit to your physical health and wellbeing. I hope these ideas help you to get out and about with greater ease and confidence.
Take care, Helen
Helen Manders BSc (Hons) MCSP HCPC
Chartered Physiotherapist Since 2001
