Stenosis

What is it?

Stenosis occurs when there is a narrowing of the space where nerves pass through in the spine.

It typically occurs in people over the age of 50.

It can be associated with poor balance and a higher risk for falls.

Typical symptoms/features

  • Leg pain, numbness, or pins and needles
  • Possible weakness in the legs
  • Symptoms can be in one leg or both
  • Symptoms are generally worse with prolonged walking or standing
  • Symptoms usually relieved by sitting or bending forwards

Management

  • Activity modification
    • When you first start noticing low back pain, it may help to reduce your activity for a short amount of time to allow the pain to settle
    • Pacing your activity with frequent sitting breaks may be helpful
  • Ice or heat
  • Pain relief
  • Physiotherapy including range of movement exercises and a graded strengthening programme
  • Orthopaedic options- In more severe and/or prolonged cases, orthopaedic surgical opinion may be indicated to help with leg symptoms

Do I need imaging?

Imaging (X-rays or scans) are rarely required to diagnose stenosis.

However, MRI may be appropriate if symptoms do not improve with conservative measures and surgery is being considered.

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