Lumbar Stenosis can cause shooting leg pain or cramping.

Lumbar Stenosis is when there is narrowing of the area where the nerves run in the back.

**Please note, if you have stenosis and have a loss of bowel/bladder function or saddle anesthesia, please go to your local emergency room as this is an emergency (Cauda Equina Syndrome).

 

If the narrowing is pressing on a nerve(s) it can cause dysfunction, pain, problems with walking, bowel/bladder issues, numbness, and weakness.

Stenosis can occur due to bone spurs, bony instability, disc herniation, calcification of tissue, thickening of certain soft tissues, etc.

 

Diagnosis

The success of treatment options depend on an accurate diagnosis, using a combination of but not limited to: physical exam, x-ray, CT scan, MRI, diagnostic injections, and EMG investigation.

Treatment

Treatment options include anti-inflammatories, steroids, physical therapy, weight loss (to lessen the load your back carries), core strengthening, injections, surgical decompression, surgical fusion, or surgical disc replacement. All treatment options depend on the location/type of stenosis and a custom treatment plan is recommended for each and every patient.

Treatments that release the pressure don’t necessarily reverse the damage, but the goal is to halt progression. Think of a boxer’s punch: just because the fist is no longer connected, it may have caused permanent damage.

Compression of the nerve sac in the lumbar spine (MRI)

 

FAQs

Lumbar Stenosis

1. What is lumbar spinal stenosis?

Lumbar spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal in the lower back, which can put pressure on the nerves. This can lead to symptoms like leg pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness.

2. What causes lumbar stenosis?

The most common cause is degenerative changes due to aging, such as arthritis, disc bulges, thickened ligaments (ligamentum flavum), and facet joint hypertrophy. Other causes include congenital spinal canal narrowing, spondylolisthesis, or previous spine surgery.

3. What are the typical symptoms?

  • Low back pain

  • Leg pain or cramping, especially with walking or standing (neurogenic claudication)

  • Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs or feet

  • Relief of symptoms when sitting or leaning forward

4. How is lumbar stenosis diagnosed?

Diagnosis is based on medical history, physical exam, and imaging—most commonly MRI, which shows the degree of spinal canal narrowing. CT myelogram can be used if MRI is unable to be done.

5. Is it the same as a herniated disc?

No. A herniated disc involves the shift of disc material, while stenosis refers to narrowing of the canal. However, a herniated disc can be a cause of spinal stenosis.

6. Will it get worse over time?

It may gradually worsen, especially with aging, but not always. Some patients remain stable or improve with conservative care.

7. What are the non-surgical treatment options?

  • Physical therapy

  • Anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs)

  • Epidural steroid injections

  • Activity modification
    These can help relieve symptoms but won’t reverse the stenosis.

8. When is surgery considered?

Surgery is typically recommended if:

  • Conversative treatments (above) fail

  • Symptoms persist or worsen despite conservative care

  • There is significant impact on walking or quality of life

  • Progressive nerve issues are present

9. What does the surgery involve?

The most common procedure is lumbar laminectomy, which removes part of the bone and thickened ligaments to relieve nerve pressure. Sometimes, spinal fusion is added if there’s instability (e.g., spondylolisthesis).

10. What’s the recovery like after surgery?

Most patients improve within days, especially in leg symptoms. Full recovery can take 6 weeks–6 months depending on the surgery and patient health.

11. Will I be able to walk normally again?

Many patients regain significant walking ability and pain relief after treatment

12. Is lumbar stenosis curable?

It can be effectively managed, and surgery can relieve symptoms when indicated