Symptoms of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
Disease description:
Recently, my lower back and legs have been uncomfortable. After walking just a short distance, my legs become numb and painful, and I have to stop and rest before I can continue walking. My lower back also constantly feels sore and swollen, and sometimes it even aches a little. I'm a bit worried it might be lumbar spinal stenosis. What are its symptoms?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Chen Jian
Lumbar spinal stenosis is mainly characterized by a reduction in the space within the lumbar spinal canal, leading to compression of the nerve roots or spinal cord. The main symptoms of lumbar spinal stenosis include:
1. Low back pain: Low back pain is the initial symptom in most patients, especially worsening with prolonged standing, sitting, or excessive activity. Pain intensity and extent increase immediately when bending backward at the waist, due to decreased spinal canal volume in this position.
2. Leg pain: This is one of the most common symptoms. Pain may radiate from the lower back down to the buttocks, back of the thighs, calves, and even the feet. This pain worsens with walking, standing, or sitting for long periods, and improves with rest or bending forward.
3. Intermittent claudication: This is a typical manifestation of lumbar spinal stenosis. Patients experience leg pain, numbness, and weakness after walking a certain distance, making it difficult to continue walking. Symptoms can be relieved or disappear after squatting or sitting down to rest briefly, allowing the patient to resume walking.
4. Numbness and tingling: The legs may experience numbness, tingling, or a "pins and needles" sensation, especially in the legs and feet.
5. Muscle weakness: Prolonged nerve compression may lead to weakened muscle strength in the legs, affecting the ability to perform daily activities.
