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Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staffMany people have evidence of spinal stenosis on X-rays, but have no signs or symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they often start gradually and worsen over time. The most common parts of the spine affected by spinal stenosis are the neck and lower back. Symptoms vary, depending on the location of the stenosis.
Spinal stenosis in the neck
- Numbness or weakness. Spinal stenosis in your upper (cervical) spine can cause numbness, weakness or tingling in a leg, foot, arm or hand. You may drop things more often or have a tendency to fall.
- Neck or shoulder pain. This may occur if the nerves in your neck are compressed. However, cervical spinal stenosis often causes no pain. And neck pain can be caused by problems other than spinal stenosis.
- Loss of bowel or bladder control. In severe cases of cervical spinal stenosis, nerves to the bladder or bowel may be affected, leading to incontinence.
Spinal stenosis in the lower back
Compressed nerves in your lower (lumbar) spine can cause pain or cramping in your legs when you stand for long periods of time or when you walk. The discomfort usually eases when you bend forward or sit down.
When to see a doctor
Call your doctor if you have numbness or weakness in your back, legs, neck or arms.
- Questions and answers about spinal stenosis. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Spinal_Stenosis/default.asp. Accessed Dec. 21, 2009.
- Curlee PM. Spinal stenosis. In: Canale ST, et al. Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics. 11th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/176085454-4/931784364/1584/313.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-03329-9..50044-1--cesec14_2092. Accessed Dec. 21, 2009.
- Meleger AL. Cervical stenosis. In: Frontera WR, et al. Essentials of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/177277239-7/935792099/1678/9.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-4007-1..50008-0--cesec8_89. Accessed Jan. 5, 2010.
- Bartleson JD (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Jan. 31, 2010.
- Isaac Z, et al. Lumbar spinal stenosis. In: Frontera WR, et al. Essentials of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/177277239-4/935690969/1678/49.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-4007-1..50048-1_751. Accessed Jan. 5, 2010.
- Spinal stenosis. American College of Rheumatology. http://www.rheumatology.org/public/factsheets/diseases_and_conditions/stenosis.asp. Accessed Dec. 22, 2009.
- Cauda equina syndrome. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00362. Accessed Jan. 5, 2010.
- Levin K. Lumbar spinal stenosis: Treatment and prognosis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed March 3, 2010.
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