Lumbar stenosis is a condition that can often stems from age-related changes in the spine. Knowing what causes lumbar stenosis and your treatment options is an important step toward relief.
Lumbar stenosis occurs when the spinal canal in the lower back narrows, putting pressure on the nerves that travel to the hips and legs. This narrowing typically develops gradually as the spine changes with age or can be caused acutely by trauma such as a herniated disc or with fracture.
Most people describe lumbar stenosis as lower back pain along with numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs. These symptoms often worsen with standing, walking, sitting, or bending forward. In more advanced cases, it can also affect balance or the ability to walk long distances.
POSH specialists offer a range of treatments to help patients manage lumbar stenosis, including both nonsurgical and surgical options tailored to each patient’s individual needs.
Lumbar stenosis typically develops when age-related changes narrow the spinal canal in the lower back. Common causes include:
Diagnosing lumbar stenosis starts with a thorough evaluation by a POSH spine specialist. Our specialists typically evaluate patients by:
POSH specialists work alongside a multidisciplinary team to deliver nonsurgical treatments for lumbar stenosis. These conservative approaches are often the first step toward relief before surgical recommendations.
When nonsurgical methods don’t provide sufficient relief, a POSH specialist will discuss surgical options, which may include:
