Spinal stenosis

Stenosis means the canal for the nerves has become tight, usually from age-related overgrowth of bone and ligament. In the lower back, people describe heavy legs after walking a short distance, eased by sitting or bending forward.

Medicines, physiotherapy, and changes in activity come first when symptoms are mild. Surgery to open the canal, sometimes with a fusion if that segment is unstable, is discussed when walking is clearly limited or there is weakness. The aim is to give the nerves more room. It does not undo wear in the rest of the spine.