Are you having:

1. Pain in both legs/feet on standing and walking (Neurogenic claudication) which improves with sitting/ rest.

2. Shooting Pain, weakness or numbness in the legs, calves or buttocks

3. Tingling sensation/ Burning pain in one or both legs or feet (Sciatica like pain)

4. History of back pain or slipped disc or sciatica pain

5. Age greater than 40 years.

If you are having these symptoms, then probably you are suffering from Lumbar canal stenosis or Spinal stenosis. 

Lumbar spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal in lower back or lumbar region, compressing the nerves traveling through the lower back into the legs. It is seen most commonly in elderly population greater than 60 years age due to age related degenerative changes of spine, but can be seen in younger people due to multiple level slip disc (Disc prolapse or herniated disc), facet joint arthropathy or subluxation, Spondylolisthesis, scoliosis, etc.As nerves pass from central canal to lateral recess/ lateral canal, they could be compressed or inflammed or both. These irritated nerves produce sharp-shooting pain, tingling sensation, burning sensation or numbness in lower limbs, on standing or walking.

Diagnosis: Mainly clinical, but confirmed with MRI scan showing multiple level disc bulge, lateral canal stenosis, central canal stenosis, reduction in AP or transverse diameter of central canal.

Treatment:1. Medications to control inflammation around nerves2. Posture management esp. avoiding lumbar extension position.3. Exercise therapy including stretching, strengthening exercises.4. Miscellaneous : Weight reduction, activity modification, nicotine cessation and bone-strengthening exercises.

If not controlled, then Advanced Spine pain relief interventions, e.g.

a. Epidural injections of medications that helps reduce inflammation and swelling around nerves and relieves compression too.

b. Selective nerve root block

c. PSLD (Percutaneous Stenotic Lumbar decompression) - Minimally invasive technique to relieve compression over nerves.

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