Abstract
There is no clear scientific evidence on the efficacy of any physical therapy or exercise therapy for lumbar spinal stenosis. Traction therapy may be effective for back pain, but mis-directed traction may induce symptom deterioration. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation has been shown to have an effect on the transient recovery of intermittent claudication. Muscle strengthening exercises may induce dural pressure increases at the stenotic level, so that exercises can not be recommended for spinal stenosis. An urgent need exists for scientific clinical trials regarding the effectiveness of physical therapy for lumbar spinal stenosis. The Japanese Society of Lumbar Spinal Disorders should take an important position with regard to these research projects.
