Q:
What are the symptoms of severe spinal stenosis?
A:
When a patient has severe lumbar spine stenosis, he may experience:
- Pain, numbness, loss of coordination and weakness of the feet, legs and buttocks
- Pain may be radiating or constant, relieved by leaning forward or lying down
- Weakness when standing or walking short distances – relieves by resting
- Paralysis of both legs or paraplegia
- Bowel and/or bladder incontinence – rare, also called cauda equina syndrome
- Loss of sexual function (erection) in males
The areas above the buttocks are usually not affected; only those below the level of spinal involvement experience the symptoms.
When the patient has severe cervical spinal stenosis, he may experience these symptoms:
- Numbness, weakness or tingling in legs, feet, arms and hands
- Patient may drop things more often
- Weakness, incoordination and a tendency to fall
- Neck pain is not common but can occur
If you are aware of the symptoms below, call your health care provider for advice and reassurance.
Keyword: severe spinal stenosis symptoms
