Spinal Stenosis

What Is Spinal Stenosis?

Spinal stenosis occurs when the spaces within your spine narrow, putting pressure on the nerves that travel through it. Most commonly affects the lower back (lumbar stenosis) or neck (cervical stenosis). It's typically caused by wear-and-tear changes from osteoarthritis.¹

Types of Spinal Stenosis

Lumbar Stenosis

Most common form
Affects lower back
Causes leg symptoms
Often due to degenerative changes

Cervical Stenosis

Affects the neck
Can affect arms and legs
May cause balance problems
More serious if severe

Symptoms²

Lumbar Stenosis Symptoms

Neurogenic claudication (leg pain with walking)
Pain relieved by sitting or bending forward
Numbness or tingling in legs
Weakness in legs or feet
Back pain (may or may not be present)

Cervical Stenosis Symptoms

Neck pain
Arm numbness or weakness
Balance and walking difficulties
Bladder or bowel problems (severe cases)

Causes

Osteoarthritis and bone spurs
Thickened ligaments
Herniated discs
Congenital narrowing (born with it)
Spinal injuries
Tumors (rare)

Treatment Options³

Conservative Treatment

Physical therapy
Anti-inflammatory medications
Epidural steroid injections
Activity modification
Assistive devices for walking

Surgical Options

Laminectomy (decompression surgery)
Laminotomy
Spinal fusion (sometimes needed)
Minimally invasive options available

Living with Stenosis

Bending forward often relieves symptoms
Using a walker or shopping cart can help
Cycling often better tolerated than walking
Core strengthening helps stability
Many people manage well without surgery

References

Kalichman L, Cole R, Kim DH, et al. Spinal stenosis prevalence and association with symptoms. Spine J. 2009;9(7):545-550.
Katz JN, Harris MB. Clinical practice: Lumbar spinal stenosis. N Engl J Med. 2008;358(8):818-825.
Lurie J, Tomkins-Lane C. Management of lumbar spinal stenosis. BMJ. 2016;352:h6234.