Spinal stenosis means a narrow spine. The disease is often due to the discs between the vertebrae having collapsed so that the nerves present in the spine have become trapped. Then you may get leg pain and difficulty walking.
Spinal stenosis is unusual if you are under 50. The problems usually come only when you are 60 years of age and can vary with better and worse periods. For some, the trouble goes away by itself.
Symptoms of spinal stenosis
If you get spinal stenosis you may have the following symptoms of spinal stenosis:
- Get off my legs.
- Numbness in the legs.
- Impaired muscle strength in the legs.
The typical thing is that it hurts your legs when you stand or walk. It hurts less if you bend forward and more if you bend back. You may also get back pain.
When and where should I seek care?
Contact a health care center if you suspect you have spinal stenosis.
Treatment of spinal stenosis
You can get painkillers and sometimes it helps with physical therapy.
You may need surgery if you have severe problems and the treatment of spinal stenosis does not help. An operation can make you feel less pain and can move more easily.
Physical activity, such as cycling, is good for most people and can cause you less pain. Walking with walking support and swimming backstroke also often works well.