Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the lumbar (back) or cervical (neck) spinal canal, which causes compression of the nerve roots.

Spinal stenosis mainly affects middle-aged or elderly people. It may be caused by osteoarthritis or Paget's disease or by an injury that causes pressure on the nerve roots or the spinal cord itself.

Symptoms

    Back pain that spreads to the legs

    Difficulty or imbalance when walking

    Leg pain

    Neck pain

    Numbness in the buttocks, thighs or calves, that is worse with standing, walking, or exercise

    Pain in the buttocks, thighs, or calves that is worse with walking or exercise

    Weakness of the legs

Treatment

Generally, conservative management is encouraged. This involves the use of anti-inflammatory medications, other pain relievers, and possibly steroid injections. If the pain is persistent and does not respond to these measures, surgery is considered to relieve the pressure on the nerves.

Surgery is performed on the neck or lower back, depending on the site of the nerve compression.