When Your Parent Is Diagnosed with Spinal Stenosis
Warning Signs Every Family Member Should Know
If any of the following symptoms appear, see a spine specialist promptly:
| Warning sign | What it may mean |
|---|---|
| Bladder problems — difficulty urinating, incontinence | Possible cauda equina syndrome. Surgery may be needed |
| Leg weakness — tripping easily, shoes slipping off | Nerve damage may be progressing |
| Sudden decrease in walking distance — can't walk as far as last month | The stenosis may be getting worse |
| Severe pain at rest — pain doesn't ease even when lying down | May indicate a cause other than stenosis |
Bladder problems are especially urgent. Don't dismiss them as "just part of getting older."