Spinal Stenosis

Spinal Stenosis: Causes, Symptoms & Advanced Treatment Options

Regain Comfort and Mobility with Expert Diagnosis & Care

What Is Spinal Stenosis?

Spinal stenosis is a condition where the spaces within the spine narrow, putting pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots. This compression can lead to pain, numbness, muscle weakness, and difficulty walking.

It most commonly affects the lower back (lumbar stenosis) and the neck (cervical stenosis). The narrowing is usually due to age-related changes like arthritis, disc degeneration, or thickened ligaments.

Fast Facts About Spinal Stenosis

• Affects over 250,000 people annually in Europe and North America.
• Most common in adults over age 50.
• Spinal stenosis is the leading reason for spinal surgery in older adults.
• Over 70% of patients initially benefit from non-surgical treatment.
• Without treatment, symptoms may progress to significant mobility loss or nerve damage.

Common Causes of Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis is usually degenerative but can also result from structural abnormalities or trauma. Causes include:

• Osteoarthritis & Bone Spurs
• Thickened Ligaments (Ligamentum Flavum Hypertrophy)
• Herniated Discs
• Degenerative Disc Disease
• Spinal Injuries or Fractures
• Tumors or Infections (less common)
• Congenital Spinal Narrowing (in younger individuals)

Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis

Symptoms often develop gradually and vary depending on the affected region.

Lumbar (Lower Back) Stenosis:

• Low back pain and stiffness
• Numbness or tingling in the legs
• Neurogenic claudication: Pain, cramping, or weakness in the legs when walking or standing
• Relief with bending forward or sitting

Cervical (Neck) Stenosis:

• Neck pain and stiffness
• Pain or numbness in shoulders, arms, or hands
• Weakness in the arms or legs
• In severe cases: difficulty walking, loss of bladder/bowel control

Diagnosing Spinal Stenosis

A spine specialist may use:

• Physical Exam: Reflex, strength, balance, and sensory tests
• Imaging:
  • MRI: Best for assessing spinal canal narrowing and nerve compression
  • CT Scan or Myelogram: Useful if MRI is not possible
  • X-rays: To detect structural abnormalities or alignment issues

Treatment Options for Spinal Stenosis

Treatment depends on severity and impact on daily function. Many patients improve with non-surgical care, while others require surgical decompression.

Conservative Treatments

Surgical Treatments

Surgery is considered when conservative therapy fails or if neurological symptoms progress. Common procedures include:

Did you know? Laminectomy has a success rate of 80–90% in properly selected patients, especially those with leg symptoms due to nerve compression.

Recovery and Prognosis

• Non-surgical patients often improve within 3–6 months with consistent physical therapy and care.
• Post-surgical recovery varies from 4–12 weeks, depending on procedure complexity and patient age.
• Ongoing rehabilitation, weight management, and spine-friendly movement help prevent recurrence.

Living with Spinal Stenosis: Lifestyle Tips

• Low-impact exercise (like walking, swimming, or cycling)

• Use chairs with lumbar support

• Avoid prolonged standing; take frequent breaks

• Strengthen core and back muscles

• Quit smoking (to support disc and nerve health)