Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis symptoms often develop gradually and may worsen over time. The location and severity of symptoms depend on where the narrowing occurs in your spine:

• Lower back and leg pain that worsens when walking or standing
• Numbness or tingling in the legs, feet, or buttocks
• Weakness in the legs or feet
• Relief when sitting or leaning forward (shopping cart sign)
• Neck pain and stiffness (in cervical stenosis)
• Balance problems or difficulty walking
• Cramping in the legs during activity

Spinal stenosis is most commonly caused by age-related changes in the spine, though several factors can contribute to its development:

Age-related causes: Arthritis, thickened ligaments, bone spurs, and herniated discs that develop as we age. Most cases occur in people over 50.

Risk factors include: Previous spinal injuries, congenital spinal conditions, genetics, and certain diseases like Paget’s disease. Activities that put repetitive stress on the spine may also contribute to earlier development of stenosis.

At Synergy Health Partners, our spine specialists use a comprehensive approach to diagnose spinal stenosis accurately:

Your evaluation begins with a detailed medical history and physical examination, including tests to assess your strength, reflexes, and walking ability. We typically use advanced imaging studies such as MRI scans to visualize the spinal canal and identify areas of narrowing, and X-rays to evaluate bone structure and alignment.

In some cases, we may recommend additional tests like CT scans or nerve conduction studies to better understand how the stenosis is affecting your nerve function and to rule out other conditions.

You should schedule an appointment with one of our spine specialists if you experience:

• Persistent back or leg pain that interferes with daily activities
• Numbness or weakness in your legs or feet
• Difficulty walking or balance problems
• Pain that improves when sitting but worsens when standing or walking

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience sudden onset of severe weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, or significant numbness in both legs, as these may indicate a serious condition requiring urgent treatment.