Lumbar Stenosis

Lumbar stenosis symptoms often develop gradually and may worsen over time. Many patients notice their symptoms improve when sitting or leaning forward, such as on a shopping cart. Common signs include:

• Lower back pain that may radiate into your buttocks and legs
• Numbness or tingling in your legs, feet, or buttocks
• Weakness in your legs that makes walking difficult
• Cramping or pain in your legs when walking or standing (neurogenic claudication)
• Difficulty walking for extended periods without rest
• Pain relief when sitting down or leaning forward

Symptoms may be mild at first but can progressively worsen if left untreated.

Lumbar stenosis typically results from age-related changes in your spine, though several factors can contribute to its development:

Primary causes include:

• Arthritis and bone spurs – Joint degeneration creates bone growths that narrow the spinal canal
• Thickened ligaments – Spinal ligaments can become stiff and thick with age
• Herniated discs – Disc material can bulge into the spinal canal
• Spinal injuries – Trauma can cause swelling or fractures that narrow the canal

Risk factors include: being over age 50, family history of spine problems, previous spine surgery, arthritis, and certain genetic conditions that affect spinal development.

Our spine specialists use a comprehensive approach to diagnose lumbar stenosis accurately. Your evaluation typically includes:

Physical examination: We assess your posture, range of motion, muscle strength, and reflexes. We may ask you to walk and perform specific movements to evaluate how your symptoms respond to different positions.

Medical imaging: MRI scans provide detailed images of your spinal canal and surrounding structures, allowing us to see areas of narrowing and nerve compression. X-rays may also be used to evaluate bone structure and alignment.

Additional tests: In some cases, CT scans or nerve conduction studies may be recommended to provide more detailed information about nerve function and the extent of stenosis.

You should seek medical attention if you experience persistent lower back pain that limits your daily activities. Schedule an appointment promptly if you have:

• Leg pain, numbness, or weakness that worsens over time
• Difficulty walking more than a few blocks without rest
• Pain that interferes with sleep or daily activities
• Progressive weakness in your legs

Seek immediate medical care if you experience: sudden onset of severe back pain, loss of bladder or bowel control, significant weakness in both legs, or numbness in your genital area. These symptoms may indicate severe nerve compression requiring urgent treatment.

Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent symptoms from worsening and help you maintain your mobility and independence.