Narrowing of the spinal canal that makes standing and walking hard — and sitting a relief. Common after 60, and very manageable.
With age, discs settle, joints enlarge, and ligaments thicken. Together they narrow the canal the nerves travel through. Standing upright narrows it further — which is why symptoms come on with standing and walking and ease when you sit or lean forward over a shopping cart.
The walking story is the diagnosis's backbone; the exam and MRI confirm the degree and levels of narrowing. We also check circulation, because vascular claudication — leg pain from artery disease — can mimic stenosis and needs different care entirely.
If any of these apply, go to an emergency department or call 911 rather than waiting for a clinic appointment.
Stenosis symptoms often wax and wane for years. Flexion-based therapy, a walking program with planned rest, and sensible medication keep many people active without ever seeing an operating room. A stationary bike is often the stenosis patient's best friend — the position opens the canal.
An epidural steroid injection may be considered when leg symptoms limit walking despite good conservative care — for many patients it buys months of better function at a time. Facet-related pain that comes along for the ride is addressed with diagnostic blocks and, when confirmed, radiofrequency ablation.
When walking distance keeps shrinking despite everything above, when weakness appears, or when quality of life is unacceptable to you, decompression surgery has a strong track record for the right patient. We refer when the trajectory says so — and help you weigh it honestly, because age alone is not a reason to say no to surgery, and imaging alone is not a reason to say yes.
Authoritative references on this topic, for patients who want to read further. These are educational resources, not medical advice.
Educational information only. This page describes lumbar spinal stenosis in general terms. Your situation depends on your history, examination, and imaging — the specifics are worked out at a consultation, not from a web page.
