Lumbar spinal stenosis: when the canal narrows and the body warns you

Many people over fifty feel their legs get tired or hurt when they walk and put it down to age. In many cases, the cause is in the spine.

What is lumbar spinal stenosis?

It is a narrowing of the canal in the lower spine that the nerves run through, which puts pressure on them. It is most common after age fifty, although it can appear earlier with early wear or congenital changes.

What is the main symptom?

Pain or heaviness in the legs when walking that gets better when you sit down or lean forward. This pattern is called neurogenic claudication: bending the spine opens a little more space for the nerves and the pressure drops. Many patients can walk a certain distance but need to sit down for relief; stopping while standing is not enough.

What other symptoms can it cause?

• Tingling or numbness from the lower back into the buttocks, thighs or calves.
• A cramping feeling in the legs.
• Symptoms in both legs at once, which is sometimes mistaken for a circulation problem.

What causes spinal stenosis?

The most common cause is the natural wear of the spine over the years: the discs lose height, the joints thicken and the ligaments around the canal stiffen or thicken. All of these changes reduce the space for the nerves.

Does spinal stenosis always need surgery?

No. In early stages, conservative treatment may be enough to control the symptoms and keep you mobile. An evaluation with a neurosurgeon becomes necessary when the pain greatly limits how far you can walk, when weakness is progressing or when bladder or bowel control is affected.

How is it diagnosed?

With imaging. An MRI is the most complete study to see how narrow the canal is and how it affects the nerves; a CT scan adds information about changes in the bone.

In summary

If your legs hurt when you walk and feel better when you sit, it is worth having it checked. Seeing a doctor in time shows how much the nerves are really affected and keeps the symptoms from limiting your daily life.

This article is for information only and does not replace a medical visit. If you have warning signs, go to the emergency room.