Exercise vs Decompressive Surgery for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
Exercise vs Decompressive Surgery for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
Decompressive surgery is more effective (larger treatment effect) in the management of LSS than land based exercise; however, whilst patients wait for surgery and given the risks of surgery, there are potential benefits in functional improvements from land-based exercise interventions. A self-management program with a land based exercise intervention prior to consideration of surgical intervention for patients with LSS is supported.
Due to the significant heterogeneity of the land-based exercise interventions investigated in the included studies, this systematic review is unable to provide any specific recommendations regarding the most effective forms of exercise.
Conclusions
Decompressive surgery is more effective (larger treatment effect) in the management of LSS than land based exercise; however, whilst patients wait for surgery and given the risks of surgery, there are potential benefits in functional improvements from land-based exercise interventions. A self-management program with a land based exercise intervention prior to consideration of surgical intervention for patients with LSS is supported.
Due to the significant heterogeneity of the land-based exercise interventions investigated in the included studies, this systematic review is unable to provide any specific recommendations regarding the most effective forms of exercise.
