01 — What it is
Stenosis develops as discs bulge, ligaments thicken and facet joints enlarge, reducing the space available for the spinal cord and nerves. In the low back a common pattern is neurogenic claudication: leg pain and heaviness that come on with walking and ease with sitting or leaning forward.
02 — Symptoms
- Leg pain, heaviness or numbness after walking a certain distance
- Relief with sitting or leaning forward
- Better tolerance walking uphill or pushing a cart
- In the neck: hand clumsiness or a change in balance
03 — Causes
- Facet joint arthritis and ligament thickening
- Disc bulging and loss of disc height
- Spondylolisthesis further narrowing the canal
- A congenitally narrow canal
04 — How it is diagnosed
MRI defines the level and severity of narrowing. Standing and flexion-extension films identify instability that would affect whether fusion is added to a decompression. Vascular causes of leg symptoms are considered, since they can present similarly.
05 — Treatment approach
Therapy, activity modification and injections help many patients. Where symptoms persist, decompression may be discussed, and fusion is added only where there is instability or deformity. The plan depends on your imaging and your symptoms.
General information only. Your own diagnosis and plan depend on your examination and imaging. Nothing here replaces a consultation.
