If you’re experiencing ongoing back or neck pain, numbness in the limbs, or difficulty walking, you may be suffering from spinal stenosis — a common condition that becomes more likely with age. It occurs when the spaces within your spine narrow, putting pressure on the spinal cord or surrounding nerves.
At London Spine Health, we provide consultant-led care for spinal stenosis, from diagnosis to treatment and recovery. Here’s everything you need to know about this often misunderstood condition.
What is Spinal Stenosis?
Spinal stenosis refers to the narrowing of the spinal canal — the space that houses your spinal cord and nerve roots. This narrowing can compress the nerves, leading to pain, weakness, and mobility issues.
Stenosis most commonly affects the lower back (lumbar stenosis) or the neck (cervical stenosis). In some cases, it can occur in both areas at once (multilevel stenosis), especially in older adults.
It typically develops gradually, but the symptoms may come on suddenly or worsen over time, particularly when standing or walking.
Common Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis
Symptoms vary depending on the area of the spine affected, but the most common include:
Lumbar (Lower Back) Stenosis
Lower back pain or stiffness
Pain, numbness, or tingling in the legs or feet
Weakness in the legs
Difficulty walking or standing for long periods
Relief when bending forward or sitting down
Cervical (Neck) Stenosis
Neck pain
Tingling, numbness, or weakness in arms and hands
Balance problems or difficulty using hands for fine tasks
In severe cases, bowel or bladder dysfunction
If you are experiencing progressive symptoms or neurological issues (e.g. bowel/bladder problems), it’s essential to seek urgent medical assessment.
What Causes Spinal Stenosis?
The most common cause is age-related wear and tear (degenerative changes) to the spine. Over time, tissues and bones around the spine can thicken or overgrow, leading to narrowing.
Other causes include:
Osteoarthritis and bone spurs
Herniated or bulging discs
Thickened ligaments in the spine
Spinal injuries or fractures
Congenital spinal narrowing (present from birth)
Tumours or abnormal growths (rare)
Certain conditions, like scoliosis, can also contribute to stenosis due to abnormal curvature and pressure on the spinal canal.
Diagnosis at London Spine Health
Our team at London Spine Health uses a combination of clinical evaluation and advanced imaging to confirm spinal stenosis. This typically includes:
MRI scans – to show soft tissue and nerve compression
CT scans – for detailed bone structure
X-rays – to detect bone spurs or alignment issues
Neurological assessments – to test sensation, reflexes, and motor function
Early and accurate diagnosis is essential for creating a treatment plan that avoids long-term nerve damage or unnecessary pain.
How Is Spinal Stenosis Treated?
The goal of treatment is to relieve pressure on the nerves and improve mobility. At London Spine Health, we offer both non-surgical and surgical solutions tailored to each patient.
Non-Surgical Treatments
Physiotherapy: Strengthening and flexibility exercises
Pain management: Anti-inflammatory medication or neuropathic pain relief
Spinal injections: Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation and relieve pain
Lifestyle modifications: Weight management, posture improvement, activity adjustments
Surgical Options
Surgery may be recommended if symptoms are severe or unresponsive to conservative care. Options include:
Laminectomy: Removal of part of the vertebra to open space around the nerves
Spinal fusion: Stabilisation of the spine using rods, screws, or bone grafts
Minimally invasive decompression: Using smaller incisions for faster recovery
Robotic-assisted surgery: Enhancing precision, accuracy, and post-op outcomes
All surgical procedures at London Spine Health are carried out by Mr Irfan Malik, a consultant spine surgeon experienced in modern, minimally invasive techniques.
Don’t Ignore the Signs of Spinal Stenosis
Left untreated, spinal stenosis can lead to long-term nerve damage and a significant decline in mobility. But with the right care, most people can regain control of their symptoms and return to a more active lifestyle.
If you’re experiencing persistent back, neck, or nerve-related symptoms, don’t wait.
