Question 1

What is spinal stenosis?

Accepted Answer

Spinal stenosis is narrowing of the spinal canal (the tube your spinal nerves run through). As we age, ligaments thicken, discs bulge, and bone spurs form, making the canal narrower. This squeezes the nerves, causing leg pain and weakness with walking (called neurogenic claudication). It's different from vascular claudication (blocked arteries in legs) - the key difference is spinal stenosis improves quickly with sitting or bending forward.

Question 2

Is this the same as sciatica?

Accepted Answer

No. Sciatica is usually from a disc herniation pressing on one nerve, causing pain down one leg. Stenosis is narrowing of the whole spinal canal, usually causing symptoms in both legs (though often worse on one side) when walking. Sciatica symptoms are often constant; stenosis symptoms come and go depending on your activity and position.

Question 3

Will it get worse over time?

Accepted Answer

Usually yes, but very slowly. Most people find their walking distance gradually reduces over months to years. The natural history is slow progression. Stenosis rarely causes sudden severe problems. However, the rate of progression varies hugely - some people remain stable for years, others worsen more quickly.

Question 4

Will I end up in a wheelchair?

Accepted Answer

Very unlikely. Most people either manage with conservative treatment or have successful surgery. Without treatment, walking distance reduces but people rarely become wheelchair-bound from stenosis alone. Surgery is very effective at restoring walking ability when needed.

Question 5

When should I consider surgery?

Accepted Answer

Consider surgery when: 1) Your walking distance is severely limited affecting your quality of life, 2) You've tried non-surgical treatments (physio, medications) for 3-6 months without adequate improvement, 3) MRI confirms significant stenosis matching your symptoms, and 4) You're healthy enough for surgery. There's no 'right time' - it's about how much the symptoms affect you.

Medical Disclaimer

Spinal Canal Narrowing (Lower Back)

📖What is Spinal Canal Narrowing (Lower Back)?

🔬What Causes It?

⚠️Risk Factors

You may be at higher risk if:

🛡️Prevention