Condition Basics
What is lumbar spinal stenosis?
Lumbar spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal in the lower back, known as the lumbar area.
The spine is made up of bones called vertebrae. The spinal cord runs through an opening in the bones called the spinal canal. Sometimes bones and tissue grow into this canal and press on the spinal cord and/or the nerves that branch out from it. This causes pain, numbness, or weakness in the back, buttocks, legs, and feet.
What causes it?
The most common cause of lumbar spinal stenosis is changes in the spine that can happen as you get older. These changes include thickening of soft tissues, development of bony spurs, and the slow breakdown of spinal discs and joints over time. Any of these conditions can narrow the spinal canal.
What are the symptoms?
The most common symptom of lumbar spinal stenosis is leg pain that happens when you walk or stand but feels better when you sit. Other symptoms may include numbness, weakness, and cramping in the back, legs, feet, or buttocks. Many people don't have any symptoms.
How is it diagnosed?
The doctor can usually diagnose lumbar spinal stenosis by asking about the history of your symptoms, doing a physical exam, and using imaging tests. The tests may include an MRI, CT scan, and X-rays. The tests can help your doctor be sure you have stenosis or can rule out other problems.
How is lumbar spinal stenosis treated?
Treatment for lumbar spinal stenosis includes taking medicine for pain and getting physical therapy. Exercise and changing the way you do your activities may also help. Steroid injections to reduce inflammation in the nerve root are sometimes tried. If you still have symptoms after the treatments, surgery may be considered.
