The Aging Back and Lumbar Spinal
Stenosis
Degenerative spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal
which may compress the spinal cord or nerves within the canal.
This condition may develop at any level of the spine but
commonly affects the lumbar spine (low back).
If you have this condition you may have dull aching pain in your back,
buttocks and legs as you stand or walk. This aching discomfort may radiate into one or both legs and
may be associated with leg weakness and/or numbness or “pins and
needles” that is worsened by further walking or standing.
These symptoms and signs are often eased by a brief rest period
either sitting or lying down.
People who have lumbar spinal stenosis often report relief if they
bend at the waist, lean forward on a shopping cart or wheelchair when
they walk.
Lumbar spinal stenosis is occasionally seen in younger people from
developmental causes, but is most common in people over 50 or 60.
This condition is becoming more common as the segment of our
population over this age continues to increase. |
