What is it?
Narrowing of the lumbar spinal canal may compress nerves, particularly during standing or walking.
Symptoms and important signs
Leg pain or heaviness with walking, often relieved by sitting or bending forward.
How is it assessed?
Examination and selected MRI; vascular causes also need consideration.
Care and treatment options
Adapted exercise and individual symptom treatment; decompression for selected persistent disability or neurological problems.
When to seek help
New bladder dysfunction, saddle numbness or rapidly worsening weakness is an emergency.