Spinal Stenosis

What is spinal stenosis?

Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the spinal canal which contains the nerve roots and spinal cord. This may increase pressure on the neural structures.

What are the symptoms of spinal stenosis?

Symptoms include the following:

1. Back pain
2. Muscle weakness and/or numbness/tingling, if pressure on the nerves is significant
3. Balance and continence may be affected in severe cases
4. There may also be a dull ache or cramp-like sensation in one or both legs during prolonged walking and/or standing

Symptoms usually improve once there is a change in position such as sitting down or bending forward.

What causes spinal stenosis?

This is usually due to structural changes from spondylosis, but may also be due to herniated discs, thickened ligaments, injuries, tumours and congenital disorders.

What are risk factors for spinal stenosis?

It usually affects those above the age of 50 years.

How is spinal stenosis diagnosed?

Tests like X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and/or computed tomography (CT) scans can help to diagnose the condition and check for the presence of spondylosis or bone spurs, nerve damage or other changes.

How is spinal stenosis treated?

​Non-surgical management includes nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), physiotherapy and epidural steroid injections.

People with spinal stenosis should try and maintain activity as much as they can. Surgical intervention is occasionally indicated for patients not responding to conservative measures.

​What is the prognosis of spinal stenosis?

The outcome is variable. The natural history of lumbar spinal stenosis due to degenerative spondylosis is relatively benign.