As you age, you may notice symptoms like pain in your lower back and legs occur more frequently. A common source of this type of pain is a condition called spinal stenosis.

Adults over age 60 are especially at risk of developing spinal stenosis, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

Here, experts from UPMC Spine Care answer your questions about the basics of spinal stenosis.

What Is Spinal Stenosis?

Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal.

Some cases of stenosis are congenital, meaning you're born with a naturally narrow spinal canal. But most are due to the spinal column’s natural aging process.

What Are the Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis?

The most common symptom of spinal stenosis is low back pain that radiates into the buttocks and down the thighs. Usually, it goes down as far as the calves. 

Spinal stenosis-related back pain tends to be worse when you're standing or walking. Sitting down and leaning forward can help relieve the pain.

Other spinal stenosis symptoms may include an aching sensation or feeling of heaviness in your legs, along with numbness and tingling.

Does Spinal Stenosis Have Any Risk Factors?

Obesity, smoking, and family history may cause you to develop spinal stenosis. If you have a genetic predisposition, you may develop spinal stenosis earlier in life than those with age-related spinal stenosis.

How Is Spinal Stenosis Diagnosed?

We diagnose spinal stenosis through a physical exam followed by an imaging study.

Typically, you have an x-ray first. If needed, your provider may recommend further diagnostic imaging, such as a CT scan (with or without contrast dye) or an MRI.

What Are the Treatment Options for Spinal Stenosis?

Treatment options for spinal stenosis include a laminectomy, a surgical procedure that removes:

  • Part or all of the bony ring surrounding the spine.

  • The calcified and thickened ligament that compresses the nerves in the spinal canal, causing pain.

Removing the ligament should resolve your buttock and leg pain.

Find the right spine care for you and make an appointment by visiting www.UPMC.com/SpineCare.