Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

The spine, or backbone, protects the spinal cord and allows standing and bending. The spine is made up of 26 bones called vertebrae. The lumbar spine (lower back region) consists of five bones (L1-L5 vertebrae). Lumbar spinal stenosis causes narrowing in the spine in the lower back area. The narrowing puts pressure on the nerves and spinal cord and can cause pain.

Lumbar spinal stenosis occurs mostly in people older than 50. Younger people with a lower back injury or a narrow spinal canal are also at risk. Diseases such as arthritis and scoliosis can cause spinal stenosis too.

Symptoms of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

Symptoms might appear gradually or not at all. They include:

• Pain in the lower back
• Numbness, weakness, cramping, or pain in the legs
• Pain going down the leg
• Foot problems

Doctors diagnose lumbar spinal stenosis with a physical exam and imaging tests. Treatments include medications, physical therapy, braces, and surgery.