Lumbar Canal Stenosis Treatment by Spine Surgeon: Understanding Leg Pain and Your Options

Lumbar canal stenosis can cause leg pain due to nerve compression in the lower spine. Learn how a spine surgeon can help.

Leg pain that won’t go away can be worrying, especially if it’s stopping you from enjoying life. One common cause in older adults is lumbar canal stenosis, a condition Dr David Tan, an experienced neurosurgeon and spine surgeon in Adelaide.

What Is Lumbar Canal Stenosis?

The spine in your lower back (the lumbar spine) has a tunnel, or “canal”, through which nerves travel. With age, arthritis, or general wear and tear, this canal can narrow, putting pressure on the nerves. This narrowing is called “lumbar canal stenosis.”

How Does It Cause Leg Pain?

When the space for your nerves becomes too tight, the nerves can become irritated or squeezed. This often leads to symptoms like:

• Aching, cramping or heaviness in the legs

• Pain, tingling, or numbness in your buttocks, thighs or calves

• Symptoms that worsen with standing or walking, and get better when you sit or lean forward

• Sometimes, leg weakness or “buckling” can also occur

  
  

Many people find that they have to stop and rest after walking short distances, a symptom known as “neurogenic claudication.”

Why Does Lumbar Canal Stenosis Happen?

Most cases are simply due to age-related changes in the spine. The discs, joints, and ligaments can thicken or wear down over time, resulting in a narrower canal.

Do You Always Need Surgery?

Not always. At Specialists on Hutt, Dr David Tan, an experienced spine surgeon in Adelaide, focuses on a personalised approach. Many people benefit from non-surgical treatments, including:

• Tailored physiotherapy

• Pain relief and anti-inflammatory strategies

• Lifestyle adjustments to maintain mobility

Surgery may be considered if:

• You can’t walk far without needing to stop

• Your pain is not improving with treatment

• You’re experiencing increasing weakness or changes in bladder or bowel function

  
  

When to See a Spine Surgeon?

If you’re experiencing ongoing leg pain, numbness, or trouble walking, it’s important to talk to your GP first. Your GP can help determine if consulting a spine surgeon in Adelaide is appropriate and can arrange the necessary tests or refer you for specialist assessment.

Getting Help

Don’t let persistent leg pain slow you down. Early advice and expert assessment can make a real difference. If you’re worried about lumbar canal stenosis, speak with your GP about whether a referral to our spine surgeon in Adelaide could help you get moving again.