What is Lumbar Spinal Stenosis?

What Causes Lumbar Spinal Stenosis?

It is usually the result of spinal wear after the age of 50. Bulging discs, bony spurs on the facet joints and thickening of the spinal ligaments narrow the canal. A congenitally narrow canal or spondylolisthesis can also contribute.

Symptoms

• Buttock and leg pain, cramping and numbness that increase with walking
• Relief when stopping, sitting or bending forward (leaning on a shopping cart helps)
• Progressively shorter walking distance
• Leg weakness in advanced cases

Frequently Asked Questions

Is surgery always necessary for spinal stenosis?

In mild to moderate stenosis, exercise, physiotherapy, medication and epidural injections can improve walking distance. Decompression surgery is considered when walking distance limits daily life or weakness develops. Loss of bladder or bowel control is an emergency.