bone, joint, and muscle disorders
Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
Symptoms of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
Symptoms of lumbar spinal stenosis vary depending on which part of the spinal cord and nerves are affected. People may have pain, pins-and-needles sensations, weakness, and reduced reflexes in a foot or leg. Pain may be felt over the lower back and be worsened by straightening the back (as when walking or leaning back), is relieved by leaning forward or sitting, and may travel down one leg or both legs. Pain also occurs in the buttocks, thighs, or calves during walking, running, climbing stairs, or even standing. The pain is not relieved by standing still but by flexing the back or by sitting (although people may continue to have pins-and-needles sensations). Walking up hills is less painful than walking down because the back is slightly flexed. Rarely, sudden compression of a nerve rootlets can cause Cauda Equina Syndrome . If the cauda equina (the bundle of nerves extending from the bottom of the cord in the lower back) is affected, control of bladder and bowels can be lost. A lower leg can become paralyzed, and feeling may be lost in and around the groin. If these serious symptoms develop, medical attention is required immediately. 