TL;DR Quick answer
Narrowing of the spinal canal causing leg pain or heaviness when standing and walking. A pain specialist can confirm the cause and plan treatment, with non-surgical options considered first, such as medication management, physiotherapy-led rehabilitation and image-guided injections.
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About spinal stenosis
In lumbar spinal stenosis the space around the nerves narrows, usually from age-related changes. Symptoms typically ease when sitting or bending forward.
| Key facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Common symptoms | Leg pain, heaviness or numbness on walking; relief when sitting or leaning forward; lower back pain |
| Common causes | Thickened ligaments; facet joint enlargement; disc bulging |
| How it is diagnosed | Diagnosis is based on your history and a focused examination, with imaging or tests only when they will guide treatment. |
| When to get help | Seek urgent care for bladder or bowel changes, saddle numbness or rapidly worsening weakness |
| Treatment options | Medication Management, Physiotherapy-Led Rehabilitation, Image-Guided Injections, Lifestyle and Sleep Guidance |
| Who to see | Dr. Nikhilesh Samudrala, Consultant Pain Physician |
Symptoms
- Leg pain, heaviness or numbness on walking
- Relief when sitting or leaning forward
- Lower back pain
- Reduced walking distance
Causes
- Thickened ligaments
- Facet joint enlargement
- Disc bulging
- Spondylolisthesis
How it is diagnosed
Diagnosis is based on your history and a focused examination, with imaging or tests only when they will guide treatment.
Treatment options
Treatment is tailored to the cause and may include medication review, rehabilitation, and image-guided procedures for selected patients.
When to seek help
Seek urgent care for bladder or bowel changes, saddle numbness or rapidly worsening weakness.
| Option | Type | What it involves | Typical duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medication Management | Treatment | A careful review of pain medicines to improve relief and reduce side effects. | Ongoing / varies |
| Physiotherapy-Led Rehabilitation | Treatment | Guided exercise and movement to restore strength, flexibility and confidence. | Ongoing / varies |
| Image-Guided Injections | Treatment | Precise injections using X-ray or ultrasound guidance to target the source of pain. | 15–45 minutes |
| Lifestyle and Sleep Guidance | Treatment | Practical changes to sleep, activity and daily routine that support pain relief. | Ongoing / varies |
This page is for general information. Whether a treatment is suitable for you is decided after an individual consultation.
