Understanding Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

The medical name may sound complicated, but what's happening in your body is something you can understand.

What You'll Learn

  • What "lumbar spinal stenosis" actually means
  • Why this condition develops
  • The difference between a normal and a narrowed spinal canal
  • The different types of stenosis (by structure and by symptoms)

An important message for you: Do you ever think, "This pain isn't bad enough to mention"? Enduring pain in silence isn't something to be proud of — it actually makes it harder for your doctor to help you. Describing your pain accurately is the first step toward the right treatment. It's okay to say, "This hurts."