Spinal stenosis

In spinal stenosis, the space for the spinal cord or nerve roots becomes smaller. In the lower back, this often causes leg pain, tingling or weakness when standing and walking that eases with sitting or bending forwards; in the neck, pressure on the spinal cord may cause clumsy hands and walking difficulties. Inability to urinate, loss of bladder or bowel control, or numbness around the anus and genitals is an immediate emergency.

• Pain, heaviness, tingling, numbness or weakness in the buttocks and legs while walking or standing, often better when sitting or leaning forwards.
• A decreasing walking distance, needing a walking stick, walking frame or shopping trolley, and sometimes little back pain despite clear leg symptoms.
• Stay active within safe limits and divide walking into manageable periods; cycling or walking with a slight forward bend may be easier with lumbar stenosis.
• Use a suitable walking aid if balance or walking distance is limited, and have its height and your technique checked to prevent falls and overuse.
• Arrange an appointment if you can walk or stand for increasingly shorter periods, tingling or weakness returns, or neck and back symptoms limit daily functioning.
• For urgent GP care outside normal opening hours, call HAP 9252. Call Ambulance 912 only for an immediately life-threatening situation.