What it can mean
Lumbar spinal stenosis is narrowing around spinal nerves. Some patients develop leg discomfort or heaviness with standing or walking that improves with sitting or bending forward.
How it is evaluated
The clinician compares walking symptoms and the neurologic examination with imaging. Narrowing on a scan does not always cause symptoms.
How care is planned
Options depend on the anatomy and severity and may include rehabilitation, medication, selected injections, minimally invasive decompression, or surgical consultation.
Your diagnosis depends on an individual evaluation. Several pain sources can overlap.
Related treatment guideFurther reading: Johns Hopkins Spine Center