Lumbar spinal stenosis
When there is less room for nerves in the lower back, standing and walking can become harder. Finding the cause helps us choose the next step.
What does spinal stenosis mean?
Your spine has a canal and side openings where nerves travel. Stenosis means that one or more of these spaces has become narrow. In the lower back, this may put pressure on nerves that serve your legs.
Several changes can reduce the space. A disc may bulge, joints may grow larger, or a band of tissue called a ligament may thicken. More than one change may be present. The scan helps show the anatomy, but it does not tell the whole story.
What might I notice?
Your legs may ache, tingle, cramp, or feel heavy when you stand or walk. Sitting down or leaning forward may help. Some people notice that leaning on a shopping cart lets them walk farther. You can have leg symptoms with or without back pain.
How do we check the cause?
Tell us where symptoms start, how far you can walk, and what helps. We check strength, feeling, balance, and the way you walk. We may review an MRI or another scan. Your symptoms and exam must fit the findings before we choose treatment.
What treatments may help?
Care often starts with a plan for movement, physical therapy, and medicines when suitable. An epidural steroid injection may ease swelling around an irritated nerve. It does not make the canal wider.
If a thick ligament is part of the narrowing, we may discuss the mild® procedure. It removes small amounts of excess tissue to make more room. It is not a treatment for every cause of stenosis. Some people need a spine surgeon's opinion. Your clinician will explain the benefits, risks, and other choices for your situation.
Plan around your daily life
Choose a goal such as walking through a store or standing to make a meal. Bring a medicine list, prior scans, and notes about treatments you have tried. At follow-up, tell us what you can do, how long you can do it, and when you need a break.
When to get urgent help
Seek emergency care for new loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the groin, or leg weakness that grows quickly. Do not wait for a routine office visit.
Common questions
Does a narrow area on my MRI always need treatment?
No. We match the scan with your symptoms and exam. Some people have narrowing without symptoms.
Is mild the same as an epidural injection?
No. An injection places medicine near a nerve. The mild procedure removes selected excess tissue when the anatomy fits.
Does every patient need surgery?
No. The next step depends on your symptoms, health, anatomy, and response to other care.
Sources behind this guide
Learn more from these professional and manufacturer resources. Your care plan and written instructions are specific to you.