The Skinny on
SPINAL STENOSIS
As we age, parts of our body inevitably deteriorate and degenerate. Often, this decline can be curbed or even reversed with regular exercise and a healthy diet, but other conditions, such as arthritis, may hasten degeneration and cause all kinds of painful problems. One of the most common issues affecting people over 50 is a condition called spinal stenosis. The disorder — usually spurred on by osteoarthritis and general wear and tear — causes the spinal canal to narrow and the space between each of your spinal vertebrae to compress. As a result, the spine becomes tight, pinching your spinal cord and the bundles of important nerves that surround it. The symptoms of stenosis vary, but they usually include a few of the following: tingling, numbness, or pain in your hand, arm, foot, or leg, often radiating down from your buttocks; pain that gets worse when you’re sitting down; sharp pains in the lower back, buttocks, and legs that make it difficult to stand up and walk; and general weakness in
one or both of your legs. If the disorder gets bad enough, it can be completely debilitating, restricting you from navigating your daily life.
If a doctor determines that you have spinal stenosis, it’s likely they’ll recommend decompression surgery as your best option. The procedure usually fixes the problem, but it’s dangerous, expensive, and often requires a long recovery period. Luckily, if you suffer from spinal stenosis, surgery isn’t your only option. In fact, a 2015 study by the University of Pittsburgh compared the effects of surgery with regular physical therapy, and determined that both treatments resulted in equally positive long- term outcomes. Don’t let spiral stenosis stop you from doing the things you love to do — but don’t jump at the first chance for surgery, either. Call the experts at Focus Physical Therapy at 949-709-8770 and get on the path to recovery as soon as possible!
HAVE A LAUGH
ZUCCHINI ENCHILADAS ZESTY
For a lighter take on enchiladas, go carb-free by swapping tortillas for zucchini!
Ingredients
• 2 teaspoons cumin • 2 teaspoons chili powder • 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken • 2 cups shredded cheese
• 4 large zucchini • 1 tablespoon olive oil or ghee
• 1 large onion, chopped • 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
top. Roll the zucchini “tortilla” and place on baking sheet. Repeat until all zucchini and chicken is used. 3. Cover the enchiladas with remaining sauce and sprinkle with cheese. Bake 20 minutes, and enjoy!
1. Heat oven to 350 F. In a large skillet, heat oil. Add onion, garlic, cumin, chili powder, and salt to taste. Stir to combine. Add chicken and 1 cup enchilada sauce. 2. Use vegetable peeler to thinly slice zucchini. Lay out three slices, slightly overlapping, and spoon chicken mixture on
Focus Physical Therapy • Call 949.709.8770 • 3
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