Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the lumbar (back) or cervical (neck) spinal canal, which causes compression of the nerve roots.

Spinal stenosis mainly affects middle-aged or elderly people. It may be caused by osteoarthritis or Paget's disease or by an injury that causes pressure on the nerve roots or the spinal cord itself.

• Pain in the buttocks, thighs or calves that is worse with walking or exercise
• Numbness in the buttocks, thighs or calves, that is worse with standing, walking or exercise
• Back pain that radiates to the legs
• Weakness of the legs
• Neck pain
• Leg pain
• Difficulty or imbalance when walking

An examination of reflexes of lower legs reveals asymmetry. Neurologic examination confirms leg weakness and decreased sensation in the legs.

• X-ray of the spine shows degenerative changes and narrowed spinal canal.
• Spinal MRI or spinal CT scan shows spinal stenosis.
• EMG may show active and chronic neurological changes.