Spinal stenosis is a common cause of lower back pain. The spinal cord is the main link between the nerves of the body and the brain. Vertebrae surround and protect the spinal cord.

Stenosis means that the openings in the vertebrae have narrowed. This squeezes the space around the spinal cord. Stenosis causes leg pain and weakness and often severe back pain.

These tests can help diagnose spinal stenosis:

• Physical exam
• X-ray
• MRI

• Leg pain and weakness
• Severe back pain
• Sciatica (pain in the back of the thigh and/or lower back caused by irritation of the sciatic nerve)
• Bowel and bladder incontinence

• Physical therapy
• Drugs that decrease swelling
• Steroid shots
• Surgery (in some cases)