Understanding Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

Types of Stenosis (by Location)

Stenosis is classified by where the narrowing occurs in the spinal canal.

1. Central Stenosis

The center of the spinal canal is narrowed.

Central stenosis: the center of the spinal canal is narrowed, compressing the nerves

What this means for you:

  • Symptoms tend to affect both legs
  • Walking may cause heaviness, tiredness, or numbness in both legs

2. Lateral Stenosis (Foraminal Stenosis)

The nerve exit (called the foramen) on one side is narrowed.

Lateral stenosis: the nerve exit (foramen) on one side is narrowed

What this means for you:

  • Symptoms tend to affect one leg
  • Certain movements may make the pain worse

3. Combined (Mixed) Type

Both central and lateral narrowing are present.

In practice, this combined type is actually the most common.