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Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the space for spinal nerves. In the lumbar spine this can cause nerve compression symptoms in one or both legs. Nerve compression symptoms include leg pain, weakness, numbness and or pins and needles. When both legs are affected and walking distance is reduced it is called neurogenic claudication.
If severe, central nerve compression can cause a loss of bowel or bladder function or control. This is rare and called cauda equina. It is a surgical emergency and requires immediate assessment and treatment.
Most commonly, the reduced space for nerves occurs slowly through degeneration of the discs and/or facet joints. It may also occur quickly through a disc prolapse of vertebral fracture.
Patients with spinal stenosis will often compensate by bending forward when standing or walking to unknowingly open the space for spinal nerves.
Minor symptoms can be managed through activity modification, or a lumbar epidural can be trialled to reduce inflammation and hence symptoms.
For severe and/or deteriorating nerve compression symptoms, spinal surgical treatment involves recreating the space for nerves through a spinal decompression known as a laminectomy/laminotomy.
