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Spinal Stenosis: Causes, Symptoms & Exercises

Written and clinically reviewed by Christopher Burdon, DC

· Last reviewed

Spinal stenosis – diagram showing narrowing of the spinal canal in the lumbar spine

Many people with spinal stenosis are initially told they have ‘sciatica’ and technically that’s true. However, the strategy that helps disc-related sciatica can sometimes make stenosis worse, which is why this page exists. 
 
My aim here is to help you recognise the pattern, reduce unnecessary worry, and guide you toward the right next steps. 

Diagram of spinal stenosis symptoms and management

Important: If your symptoms don’t match the pattern described below, you may want to read my Disc Bulge / Herniation page or my Sciatica page, as these conditions are more common. 

What Is Spinal Stenosis?

Spinal stenosis simply means “narrowing”. 

In the lower back, it refers to a narrowing of the spaces where the nerves travel, either: 

  • Through the spinal canal where the spinal cord lies, or 
  • Out of the spine toward the legs 

This narrowing can reduce the space available for the nerves, particularly when standing upright or walking. 

Spinal stenosis tends to develop gradually over time and is more common as we get older. It’s often associated with age-related changes such as: 

  • Arthritis 
  • Thickening of ligaments 
  • Disc degeneration 
  • Bony changes around the joints 
Illustration of spinal stenosis and its effects on movement

This is very different from a disc bulge, which is usually related to loading, bending, and repetitive stress rather than narrowing. 

This is the most important section:

People with spinal stenosis often notice a very specific pattern: 

  • Leg pain, heaviness, or numbness when standing, walking or bending backwards
  • Symptoms that ease with sitting down 
  • Relief when bending forward (for example, leaning on a trolley or bike) 
  • Pain may be in one leg or both 
  • Back pain may be mild or absent 

This pattern is sometimes called neurogenic claudication. 

If your leg pain is worse with sitting and eased by walking, stenosis is less likely and a disc-related problem is more common — see my Disc Bulge page for guidance. 

Why This Pattern Happens

When we stand upright, the lower back naturally arches slightly. 

In spinal stenosis, this position can reduce the space around the nerves even further. 

When you sit or bend forward, the spine opens up slightly, giving the nerves more room, which is why symptoms often ease. 

This explains why advice that helps disc problems (like “keep walking through it”) doesn’t always apply here. 

Common Mistakes I See in Clinic

Over the years, I’ve noticed a few common issues with stenosis patients which you might be able to relate to: 

  • Trying to “push through” walking pain 
  • Being told to stretch/exercise even though it causes you more pain
  • Worrying that surgery is inevitable 
  • Assuming worsening symptoms mean permanent damage 

In reality, many people with spinal stenosis manage very well with the right approach, once they understand what helps their pattern. 


PATIENT CASE STUDY: I remember not too long ago, a lady in her 80’s came to see me with sciatic pain caused by spinal stenosis. She was still an active lady trying her best to keep moving as is often the advice with sciatica but her pain just got worse and worse. After consulting me and learning more about her condition, she took more notice of what was aggravating the nerve. She didn’t stop completely but recognised when it was time to sit down and rest before her pain increased. She also mobilised her spine using my suggested exercises. After several months of doing this, the nerve that had been injured and inflamed started to heal and she was able to walk further and further without pain. She adopted these strategies going forward and managed her condition without it affecting her quality of life.

What Usually Helps Spinal Stenosis?

Management is about reducing nerve irritation, not forcing activity. 

Helpful strategies often include: 

  • Breaking walking into shorter, manageable bouts 
  • Avoiding long periods of standing still 
  • Gentle mobility exercises within comfort
  • Improving sitting and desk setup
  • Building tolerance gradually rather than pushing through pain 

Unlike disc-related problems, rest can sometimes be more appropriate here — especially during flare-ups. 

TOP TIP: From my experience with patients who have spinal stenosis, practical strategies often make a meaningful difference. 

If walking or standing quickly brings on your symptoms, using a rollator might help you — not as a sign of decline, but as a way to pace yourself more effectively. 

Being able to take short seated breaks can reduce nerve irritation, improve confidence with walking, and make everyday tasks such as shopping more manageable without provoking symptoms.

How Is This Different From Disc Bulges?

Diagram showing spinal stenosis and canal narrowing
Diagram of spinal stenosis and vertebral anatomy

In simple terms: 

  • Disc bulges are usually worse with bending and sitting 
  • Stenosis is usually worse with standing and walking 

That difference matters. 

If your symptoms don’t clearly match one pattern, it’s not unusual — and that’s where a proper assessment from a professional helps clarify things. 

When to Seek Further Medical Advice

You should seek urgent medical help if you experience: 

  • Loss of bladder or bowel control 
  • Numbness around the groin or genitals 
  • Progressive weakness in the legs 
  • Severe worsening symptoms that don’t settle at all 

These symptoms are uncommon but should never be ignored. 

Final Thoughts

Spinal stenosis can sound alarming, especially when you see scan reports filled with technical language. 

In practice, many people live very well with it once they: 

  • Understand the pattern 
  • Stop doing what aggravates it 
  • Focus on the right type of movement and activity 

NEXT STEPS 

← Back to Lower Back Pain

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