Spinal stenosis refers to the narrowing of the canal that houses the spinal cord and nerve roots. Spinal stenosis most commonly appears in the lower back and neck area and is mainly caused by wear and tear changes in the spine. People who experience spinal stenosis may be asymptomatic while others experience pain and numbness that gets worse with time.

Symptoms vary depending on the location of the stenosis. For stenosis located in the neck, common symptoms include neck pain, impaired mobility or balance, and numbness or weakness in the hand, arm, leg, or foot. For stenosis located in the lower back, symptoms include back pain, numbness or weakness in the leg or foot, and pain or cramps in one or both legs after standing for long periods of time.