Hello Dr. Rynne, I am a 73 year old female with lumbar spinal stenosis. I am suffering from left thigh frontal burning pain, and recently bruising. What would my condition be..The doctors I have seen have bot made a diagnosis. Thank you kindly, Irene Kiffe
Hi, I am happy to answer your question but letting you know that burning in the left thigh can definitely be caused by spinal canal stenosis of the lumbar portion of the column by compressing anything from L1-L3 (Lumbar 1- Lumbar 3 nerve roots).  The best way to relieve this sensation is to first undergo physical therapy to try and release the compressive forces through activity, massage, etc. Then, there are medications that can lessen the pain.  Finally, if none of those methods relieves your symptoms it is possible that surgery can be performed, however, this is dependent upon how severe the canal stenosis is and how long the stenotic portion is since it is too long the surgery may produce worse pain symptoms during recovery than what you already have.  It is a dilemma to be sure. But just attack it step by step. Save surgery for last in my opinion.  Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.  