Signs & Symptoms of Stenosis of the Lower Spine

According to the Mayo Clinic, stenosis of the lower spine occurs when there is a narrowing of the spine in the lower back. An individual with spinal stenosis of the lower back may experience compression on the lower part of the spinal cord or the nerves of the lower back. Spinal stenosis usually is a condition an individual is born with or one that is caused by spinal degeneration. Spinal stenosis of the lower back can be treated with medication, physical therapy or surgery. There are a number of symptoms that an individual with spinal stenosis of the lower back may experience.

Pain

• The Mayo Clinic states that stenosis of the lower spine can be very painful. Spinal stenosis of the lower spine can cause pain in the legs. This pain is occurs when nerves of the lower spine are compressed. When nerves of the lower spine are compressed, pain can also occur in the hip, move to the buttocks and run down the back of the leg.

Numbness and Weakness

• Stenosis of the lower spine can lead to numbness and weakness within the lower extremities. An individual with lower spinal stenosis may find they experience a tingling sensation in the legs and feet. The pain of stenosis of the lower spine combined with numbness and weakness of the lower body can make normal functioning difficult.

Bowel and Bladder Problems

• Depending on the area of the lower spine that is narrowed due to spinal stenosis, the nerves of the bladder and the bowel may be compromised. When the nerves of the bladder or bowel are compressed, controlling urinary and bowel functions may be impossible. Some individuals with stenosis of the lower spine may develop urinary and fecal incontinence.