Spinal Stenosis: When the Spine Starts to Squeeze
These may be signs of spinal stenosis—a condition that’s treatable, manageable, and in many cases, preventable.
You might brush it off at first—a dull ache in your lower back, a bit of tingling down your leg, or a heaviness that creeps in when you walk for more than a few minutes. But over time, these symptoms start demanding your attention. The cause, in many cases? Spinal stenosis—a condition that sounds more intimidating than it needs to be, but one that shouldn’t be ignored.
At Adam Vital Hospital, spinal stenosis is something we see and treat frequently. It’s not uncommon, particularly as we age. But what exactly is happening in the spine—and what can be done to fix it?
Let’s unpack it.
What Is Spinal Stenosis?
The word "stenosis" means narrowing. So spinal stenosis literally means a narrowing of the spaces within your spine—most often in the lower back (lumbar spine) or the neck (cervical spine). This narrowing puts pressure on the spinal cord and the nerves that branch out from it.
The result? Pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, and in more severe cases, difficulty walking or even problems with bladder or bowel control.
This isn’t just a structural issue—it’s one that affects function, quality of life, and your ability to move freely.
What Causes Spinal Stenosis?
Most spinal stenosis develops gradually, and the causes are often related to age-related wear and tear. Here are the most common culprits:
Osteoarthritis: Over time, the cartilage in your joints wears down. In the spine, this leads to the formation of bone spurs that can press against spinal nerves.
Degenerative disc disease: Discs that cushion the vertebrae begin to shrink and collapse, narrowing the space for nerves.
Thickened ligaments: Ligaments can stiffen and thicken over time, crowding the spinal canal.
Herniated discs: When a disc bulges or ruptures, its contents can press into the spinal canal.
Spinal injuries: Accidents or trauma can displace bone or tissue, leading to acute narrowing.
Congenital stenosis: Some people are simply born with a narrower spinal canal.
While many people over 50 have signs of spinal narrowing on imaging, not all of them have symptoms. But when the nerves do get compressed, the symptoms are hard to ignore.
Common Symptoms: What to Look Out For
Symptoms vary depending on where the stenosis occurs.
Lumbar Stenosis (Lower Back):
Pain or cramping in legs when standing or walking
Numbness or tingling in legs, feet, or buttocks
Weakness in the legs
Relief when sitting down or leaning forward
Cervical Stenosis (Neck):
Neck pain
Numbness or weakness in arms, hands, or legs
Problems with balance or coordination
In serious cases, bladder or bowel dysfunction
What’s interesting—and often misleading—is that pain isn’t always constant. It can come and go. Many people describe it as heaviness or fatigue rather than sharp pain.
Diagnosis at Adam Vital Hospital
At Adam Vital Hospital, our orthopedic and spine specialists start with a detailed clinical history and neurological exam. We look at:
Reflexes
Muscle strength
Sensory changes
Gait and balance
From there, imaging helps confirm the diagnosis:
X-rays show changes in bone structure
MRI scans provide detailed views of soft tissues, nerves, and the spinal cord
CT scans with contrast (CT myelogram) may be used if MRI isn’t an option
Accurate diagnosis is crucial—not just to confirm stenosis, but to determine how severe it is and what kind of intervention is needed.
Treatment: Managing Stenosis Without Rushing to Surgery
Not all spinal stenosis requires surgery. In fact, most cases respond well to non-surgical treatments, especially if diagnosed early.
- Physical Therapy
Our physiotherapy team creates tailored programs to improve flexibility, strengthen spinal muscles, and correct posture. This can relieve pressure on nerves and improve mobility. Core strengthening, stretching, and even aquatic therapy may be part of your plan.
- Medication
Anti-inflammatory drugs can ease pain and swelling. In some cases, medications for nerve pain—like gabapentin or pregabalin—are prescribed.
- Epidural Steroid Injections
A targeted injection near the spinal nerves can provide relief that lasts for weeks or even months. It’s not a cure—but for many, it provides enough relief to stay active and avoid surgery.
- Lifestyle Modifications
Sometimes, small changes have a big impact. Losing weight to reduce spinal load, using a supportive brace during activity, or avoiding certain postures can help manage daily symptoms.
When Surgery Is the Right Move
Surgery is considered when:
Non-surgical treatments haven’t worked after several months
There’s progressive weakness, numbness, or loss of function
Bladder or bowel control is affected
The most common procedure is a decompression surgery—such as laminectomy, where part of the bone or ligament is removed to give the nerves more room.
In some cases, especially where there’s instability, spinal fusion may also be performed to stabilise the spine after decompression.
At Adam Vital Hospital, our spine surgeons use advanced, minimally invasive techniques whenever possible. That means smaller incisions, faster recovery, and reduced risk of complications.
Final Thoughts
If you’re experiencing persistent back pain, numbness, or difficulty walking more than a few hundred metres without stopping to rest, don’t chalk it up to “getting older.” These may be signs of spinal stenosis—a condition that’s treatable, manageable, and in many cases, preventable.
At Adam Vital Hospital, we combine cutting-edge diagnostics, expert-led spine care, and evidence-based rehabilitation to help our patients move better, live better, and stay pain-free.