Spinal stenosis symptoms
It’s not unusual for an MRI scan to reveal evidence of spinal stenosis even when the patient is not presenting with symptoms, which tend to develop slowly and worsen over time. When symptoms do emerge, they vary depending on the location of the spinal stenosis and which nerves are most directly affected.
Symptoms of cervical stenosis include neck pain, difficulty walking or balancing, weakness, numbness, or tingling in a hand, arm, foot or leg. In some severe cases, patients may experience bowel or bladder dysfunction. Symptoms of lumbar spine stenosis include weakness, numbness, or tingling in a foot or leg, pain in one or both legs when walking or standing, and back pain.
The most common symptoms of spinal stenosis include:
- Neck or back pain
- Weakness, numbness, or tingling in a hand, arm, foot, or leg
- Difficulty or pain when walking
Source:
Mayo Clinic