Condition guide
Spinal Stenosis
Narrowing around spinal nerves that may affect comfort, walking, or function.
Overview
Spinal stenosis is narrowing of the spinal canal or the openings through which nerves exit the spine, most often from age-related changes: discs lose height, joints enlarge with arthritis, and ligaments thicken. Together these changes reduce the room available for the nerves.
The hallmark of lumbar stenosis is a characteristic relationship with position and distance: symptoms, typically aching, heaviness, or numbness in the legs, build with standing and walking and ease with sitting or leaning forward. Many people notice they can walk farther leaning on a shopping cart, which flexes the spine and opens more space. This positional pattern distinguishes stenosis from vascular problems and from disc-related pain.
Symptoms
- Heaviness, aching, or cramping in the legs with walking
- Relief from symptoms when sitting or leaning forward
- Reduced walking distance over time
- Numbness or tingling in the legs or feet
- Low-back stiffness or discomfort
- In cervical stenosis, arm symptoms or changes in hand coordination
Possible causes
Age-related degeneration is by far the most common cause. Disc height loss, facet joint enlargement, ligament thickening, bone spurs, and slippage of one vertebra on another all contribute. Some people have naturally narrower canals, and prior injury or surgery can add to narrowing.
How it is diagnosed
Evaluation connects your walking tolerance and positional pattern with neurologic examination findings. Imaging confirms the location and degree of narrowing, but the severity on a scan does not always match the severity of symptoms, so the clinical picture leads. Additional testing is considered when circulation problems or other conditions could explain the symptoms.
Treatment options
Care often begins with rehabilitation emphasizing flexion-based movement, core strength, and walking strategies, along with medication review. Epidural steroid injections may be considered to reduce inflammation around the affected nerves and extend walking tolerance. When symptoms progress despite appropriate care or neurologic deficits develop, surgical consultation is discussed.
When to see a specialist
Consider assessment when walking or standing tolerance is decreasing, when symptoms are starting to limit independence and daily activity, or when numbness or weakness is progressing. Problems with balance, bowel or bladder changes, or new weakness need prompt attention.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Personalized evaluation in Boca Raton
Start with a conversation about your symptoms and goals.
This information is educational and does not replace an individual medical evaluation. If you have a medical emergency, call 911.