The MSK Studio - spinal physiotherapy and Clinical Pilates clinic in Adelaide

Spinal Stenosis

Region affected

Lumbar / Cervical spine

Common in

Adults 50+

Onset

Gradual

Related conditions

Degenerative Disc Disease, Spondylosis, Sciatica

Spinal stenosis refers to a narrowing of the spinal canal or the foramina through which nerve roots exit the spine. This narrowing can compress the spinal cord itself (central stenosis) or the individual nerve roots (foraminal stenosis), producing symptoms that range from local back or neck pain through to significant neurological symptoms in the limbs.

Stenosis is most commonly degenerative in origin, developing gradually as a result of disc degeneration, facet joint thickening, ligamentum flavum hypertrophy or bone spur formation. It most frequently affects the lumbar spine, where it produces a characteristic pattern of leg pain and fatigue with walking that eases when the patient sits or bends forward.

Cervical stenosis, which narrows the canal in the neck, can produce more complex neurological presentations involving the arms and, in severe cases, the legs.

What Causes Spinal Stenosis?

Signs and Symptoms

Spinal stenosis is most commonly a product of age-related degenerative changes in the spine:

Lumbar spinal stenosis classically produces a pattern of symptoms called neurogenic claudication:

  • Disc degeneration reducing disc height and causing the disc to bulge into the canal
  • Facet joint arthritis causing bony enlargement that encroaches on the nerve space
  • Thickening of the ligamentum flavum – the ligament running along the back of the spinal canal
  • Bone spur (osteophyte) formation reducing the available space for the nerve
  • In some cases, spondylolisthesis – forward slippage of one vertebra over another
  • Leg pain, heaviness or cramping that develops with walking or prolonged standing
  • Symptoms that ease when sitting, bending forward or leaning on a shopping trolley
  • Bilateral leg symptoms – affecting both legs, in central stenosis
  • Lower back aching or stiffness alongside the leg symptoms
  • Tingling or numbness in one or both legs
  • Reduced walking tolerance that limits daily activity

What Causes Spinal Stenosis?

Spinal stenosis is most commonly a product of age-related degenerative changes in the spine:

  • Disc degeneration reducing disc height and causing the disc to bulge into the canal
    Facet joint arthritis causing bony enlargement that encroaches on the nerve space
  • Thickening of the ligamentum flavum – the ligament running along the back of the spinal canal
  • Bone spur (osteophyte) formation reducing the available space for the nerve
  • In some cases, spondylolisthesis – forward slippage of one vertebra over another

Signs and Symptoms

Lumbar spinal stenosis classically produces a pattern of symptoms called neurogenic claudication:

  • Leg pain, heaviness or cramping that develops with walking or prolonged standing
  • Symptoms that ease when sitting, bending forward or leaning on a shopping trolley
  • Bilateral leg symptoms – affecting both legs in central stenosis
  • Lower back aching or stiffness alongside the leg symptoms
  • Tingling or numbness in one or both legs
  • Reduced walking tolerance that limits daily activity

How The MSK Studio Treats
Spinal Stenosis

Physiotherapy for spinal stenosis in Adelaide focuses on managing symptoms and maintaining function. The characteristic flexion-based relief of stenosis symptoms guides treatment, positions and exercises that open the spinal canal are used to reduce nerve irritation, while extension-based postures and loading are modified appropriately. Manual therapy, aquatic exercise and progressive walking programs are commonly used. 

See our low back pain physiotherapy service below:

Low Back Pain Physiotherapy

Related Conditions

Cervical Radiculopathy

Facet Joint Syndrome

Sciatica

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