The Link Between A Stiff Back and Falling Over

Could Your Back Be Increasing Your Risk of Falling?
If you’ve been told you have lumbar spinal stenosis — a common cause of lower back pain in older adults — it’s important you know that your back might be increasing your chances of falling.

A recent study looked at people with spinal stenosis and found that those who had fallen in the past year moved their lower backs differently than those who hadn’t fallen. The biggest difference? They moved more slowly when bending forward and straightening back up again.
That small delay in movement might not seem like a big deal, but it can actually throw off your balance. And when your balance is off, you’re more likely to trip or fall.

What is Lumbar Spinal Stenosis?
A condition where the spaces in your lower spine narrow can put pressure on the nerves. It often causes:

• Back or leg pain
• Numbness
• Difficulty walking for long periods
• A feeling of heaviness in the legs

So What Can You Do?
If you have back pain, stiffness, or spinal stenosis:
✅ Talk to a physio – we can check your balance, movement, and fall risk.
✅ Exercise – gentle movement, strength, and balance work can help.
✅ Don’t ignore small changes – needing more time to stand up or bend over can be an early sign you need support.
✅ Get screened – tools like the “STEADI” questionnaire help identify who’s at higher risk of falls.