Can people with spinal stenosis exercise?

In general, patients with spinal stenosis can exercise, but they must choose appropriate types and intensities of activity to avoid increasing stress on the spine. Specific details are as follows:

The core issue in spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal, so the key to exercise lies in protecting the spine. Suitable exercises can strengthen the core muscles, improve spinal support, and reduce compression of nerves within the spinal canal. Commonly recommended activities include walking, swimming—especially backstroke, where water's buoyancy reduces spinal loading—and lumbar and back muscle training such as wall sits and planks. Intensity should be carefully controlled to prevent excessive strain. These exercises help build muscle strength without significantly increasing pressure within the spinal canal, thus supporting symptom management and recovery.

High-risk activities must be strictly avoided: first, vigorous exercises such as sprinting, jumping, or basketball, which greatly increase spinal load; second, activities involving frequent bending, twisting, or hyperextension of the spine, such as lifting heavy objects with bending or intense yoga twists, which may directly compress the spinal canal and trigger pain or numbness; third, exercises requiring prolonged maintenance of a single posture, which can lead to muscle tension in the lower back and worsen discomfort.

It is recommended to consult an orthopedic or rehabilitation specialist before beginning any exercise program. An individualized plan tailored to the patient’s condition should be developed. If pain or numbness worsens during exercise, activity should be stopped immediately. The goal is to safely improve spinal function through exercise—not to exacerbate the condition.