Lumbar spinal stenosis is a condition in which the lower spinal canal narrows and compresses the spinal nerves in the lower back. It is best visualized as a “kink in a drinking straw,” as this compression can contribute to pain and mobility issues. Over two million LSS patients nationwide are diagnosed and treated annually. It is generally found in people over the age of 50, and the likelihood of developing Lumbar spinal stenosis increases with age.

The natural wear and tear on the spine as people age can lead to a number of contributing factors that cause the narrowing of the spinal canal and create pressure on the spinal nerves. Some root causes of lumbar spinal stenosis are:

• Thickening of ligament tissue
• Overgrowth of bone (osteoarthritis)
• Bulging of discs

Pain or numbness in the lower back when standing upright, Pain, numbness, heaviness or tingling in upper legs or buttocks when walking, Pain when lying down that may be relieved by curling into the fetal position, Temporary relief when bending forward while sitting or standing as pressure on the spinal cord is released and space in the spinal canal is “opened.” Common actions include finding a chair, leaning over shopping cart, using walker or cane

In addition to taking a medical history that includes a list of your symptoms, other tests may be performed to verify LSS:

• • Physical examinations to test mobility
  • Imaging including X-rays, MRI, CT scan

Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) may cause pain, a pinched nerve (radiculopathy), or symptoms of pain, numbness, heaviness or tingling in the upper legs or buttocks while walking, also known as neurogenic claudication. Mayo Clinic states that in rare instances, untreated severe spinal stenosis may progress and cause permanent numbness, weakness, balance problems, incontinence and paralysis. While untreated LSS does not usually cause paralysis, Cleveland Clinic explains that, “if a spinal nerve or spinal cord is compressed for a long period of time, permanent numbness and/or paralysis is possible.” If any of the above symptoms are present (numbness, weakness, balance problems, incontinence and paralysis), it’s important to seek medical attention right away.