Lumbar Spinal Canal Stenosis
Leg numbness while walking ("intermittent claudication") is the hallmark
This is a condition where the spinal canal (the passageway for nerves inside the spine) becomes narrow, squeezing the nerves that pass through it.
The hallmark symptom is intermittent claudication -- after walking for a while, your legs go numb and you cannot walk further, but leaning forward and resting brings relief and you can walk again.
It is a common lower-back condition in older adults.
Bones and ligaments thicken, and discs bulge, making the spinal canal narrower
The nerves inside the narrowed canal are squeezed
Standing and walking narrow the canal further, causing leg numbness and pain
Bending forward opens up the spinal canal and eases pressure on the nerves
We evaluate how well the medication works over 2-4 weeks and adjust the dose as needed. Combining medication with physical therapy often makes improvement easier to notice. If improvement is limited, we consider nerve blocks or surgery.
Symptoms that need immediate attention
Sudden leg weakness, trouble with urination or bowel movements, or numbness in the groin area may indicate "cauda equina syndrome," which requires urgent medical care.