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Firefighters & Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis most frequently occurs in men and women of approximately 50 years of age and older. However, genetic predispositions and injuries--such as those sustained by firefighters--can lead to problems at a younger age, potentially with greater severity.

  1. Spinal Stenosis Defined

    • According to HealthLine, "spinal stenosis is a narrowing of areas in the lumbar (back) or cervical (neck) spine, which causes pressure on the spinal cord or one or more of the spinal nerves." Marked by numbness, weakness and problems such as incontinence or constipation, symptoms of spinal stenosis tend to increase over time. Pain may or may not be associated with the disease.

    Causes

    • Multiple causes of spinal stenosis exist. It may be caused by arthritis in the back, a herniated or slipped disk, a tumor in the spine or a congenital defect in the spine. As well, the disease can be caused by an injury--particularly one that "causes pressure on the nerve roots or the spinal cord." Sufferers of Paget's disease or Achondoplasia may also develop spinal stenosis.

    Connection to Firefighting

    • Firefighters face greater risk of back injury than most other professionals due to the demanding physical nature of their jobs. According to the International Association of Fire Fighters "sprains and strains routinely account for about 50 percent of all line-of-duty injuries and back injuries account for approximately 50 percent of all line-of-duty injury retirements each year."

      Firefighters perform a number of tasks that can stress their backs--from swinging axes and carrying equipment to pulling and carrying victims. However, a study of low back pain associated with firefighting found that the highest-risk activities included: "operating a charged hose inside a building, climbing ladders, breaking windows, cutting structures, looking for hidden fires and lifting objects."

    Protecting Your Back

    • A high level of physical fitness seems to provide some protection for a firefighter's body against spinal injuries. Workouts geared toward building strength in the legs and trunk may help prevent injury associated with pulling and lifting objects. In addition to strength building, regular aerobic exercise can help you build endurance in muscles and maintain an appropriate body weight -- which can reduce spinal strain.

      It helps to pay attention during daily activities such as standing, lifting, sitting and sleeping. It's best to not stand for long periods and shift the feet regularly to reduce muscle tightening. Use chairs with ample lower back support. Lift objects with your legs and hold the object close to your body to reduce strain. Select a firm mattress for sleeping and make sure that any pillows naturally curve with the neck.

    Treating Spinal Stenosis

    • A wide variety of treatment options exist for spinal stenosis depending on the severity of the condition. These options range from simple pain medications to chiropractic care to spinal surgery. The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases provides a broad overview of the common treatment options.

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