Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spaces within the spine, which can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. It most often affects the lower back and neck and is usually caused by age-related changes. Symptoms may include pain, numbness, tingling or weakness in the back, legs or arms.
Overview
What is spinal stenosis?
Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spaces inside the spine through which the spinal cord and nerves travel. When these spaces narrow, the nerves can become compressed or irritated. This may cause pain and other symptoms in the back, neck, arms or legs. It most commonly develops gradually as part of age-related changes in the spine.
How common is spinal stenosis and who does it affect?
Spinal stenosis is a common cause of back and leg symptoms in older adults, as it is usually linked to wear-and-tear changes that build up with age. It is most often seen in people over 50. Both men and women can be affected. Younger people may develop it if they have a naturally narrow spinal canal or after injury.
Symptoms and Causes
What are the symptoms of spinal stenosis?
Symptoms depend on where the narrowing occurs. In the lower back, it can cause pain, numbness or weakness in the legs, often worse when standing or walking and relieved by sitting or bending forward. In the neck, it may cause similar symptoms in the arms or hands. Some people have no symptoms despite narrowing on imaging.
What causes spinal stenosis and who is at risk?
The most common cause is gradual wear and tear in the spine with age, including changes to discs, joints and ligaments. Other causes include previous injuries, thickened ligaments and, less often, a spinal canal that is naturally narrow. Increasing age is the main risk factor, and earlier spinal conditions can also contribute over time.
Diagnosis and Tests
How is spinal stenosis diagnosed?
A doctor begins by reviewing your symptoms and examining your movement, strength, reflexes and sensation. Imaging is often used to confirm narrowing and identify its cause, with an MRI scan being particularly useful for showing the nerves and soft tissues. X-rays or CT scans may also be used. Findings are always interpreted alongside symptoms.
Management and Treatment
How is spinal stenosis treated or managed?
Many people are helped by non-surgical care, including physiotherapy, exercises to strengthen and support the spine, pain-relieving medication and staying active within comfortable limits. Some may benefit from injections. When symptoms are severe, persistent or significantly limit walking and daily life, a specialist may discuss surgery to relieve pressure on the nerves.
Prevention
Can spinal stenosis be prevented or its risk reduced?
Because spinal stenosis is usually caused by age-related changes, it cannot always be prevented. However, keeping the back muscles strong and flexible, maintaining a healthy weight, staying active and using good posture and safe lifting techniques may support spine health. These habits can help reduce strain and may ease symptoms if narrowing develops.
Additional Common Questions
Why do my symptoms ease when I sit down or lean forward?
Bending forward or sitting can slightly open the narrowed spaces in the lower spine, taking pressure off the nerves. This is a common and characteristic feature of lumbar spinal stenosis.
Does spinal stenosis always need surgery?
No. Many people manage well with physiotherapy, activity and other non-surgical measures. Surgery is usually considered only when symptoms are severe or do not improve.
Is walking good or bad if I have spinal stenosis?
Staying active is generally encouraged, but some people find walking uncomfortable. A physiotherapist can suggest activities and positions that keep you moving while managing symptoms.
This health topic is for general information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician about your individual situation. See our medical disclaimer.