Spine surgery · Spine and nerves

Lumbar spinal stenosis

Understand narrowing of the lumbar spinal canal and symptoms brought on by walking.

Editorial publication · Medical review pending.

Understand

Lumbar spinal stenosis is narrowing of the space containing nerves in the lower back.

It can cause leg pain, heaviness, numbness or weakness, especially while standing or walking, often eased by sitting or bending forward.

It most often develops from age-related and arthritic changes affecting discs, joints and ligaments.

The typical history of walking limitation and a neurological examination guide diagnosis.

MRI may define the level and severity of narrowing when symptoms persist or an invasive treatment is being considered.

The course varies: symptoms may remain stable, improve or progress slowly.

Adapted activity, exercise, medicines and sometimes injections can help; decompression is discussed when major limitation persists despite treatment.

Seek assessment if walking becomes increasingly limited, weakness develops or pain persists.

New loss of bladder or bowel control, saddle numbness or rapidly developing leg weakness requires emergency care.

A procedure linked to a condition does not establish an indication for your individual situation.