Conditions · Spinal stenosis

Spinal stenosis: pain that builds when you stand or walk.

Stenosis means the space around the nerves has narrowed. Many people feel it as leg pain, heaviness or numbness that builds with standing or walking and eases when they sit or lean forward.

What it can feel like

Aching, heaviness or numbness in the legs after a short walk. Relief when you sit down or lean on a shopping cart. Low back stiffness in the morning.

How Dr. Lee assesses it

Your history, a physical exam with a muscle and nerve function assessment, and a look at your MRI to see where the narrowing is and whether a disc is part of it.

Where non-surgical decompression fits

When a bulging or degenerated disc contributes to the narrowing. Some kinds of stenosis are not a fit, and the evaluation sorts that out. See how it compares with other care.

★★★★★
“I am 85, with sciatica, low back stenosis and difficulty walking. She studied my tests and designed the appropriate program.”
She uses a decompression table, cold laser and more. I highly recommend her services.

Solange K.

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Questions

Questions about spinal stenosis

Bending forward opens the space around the nerves a little. Standing up straight narrows it again, which is why walking brings the leg pain back.

It becomes more common with age, as discs lose height and the joints of the spine thicken. Many people have some narrowing on an MRI; what matters is whether it matches your symptoms.

An MRI shows the narrowing and what is causing it: a disc, thickened joints or ligaments. X-rays show the bones but not the nerves. If you have an MRI, bring it or the report to your evaluation.

Yes. Narrowing in the neck can cause arm symptoms, clumsy hands or trouble with balance.

Next step

Bring the MRI. Get it looked at.

Find out whether a disc is part of the narrowing.
Apply online. The office reviews your application and contacts you about the next step.

Prime Spine Wellness

(301) 272-2050

4833 Rugby Avenue, Suite 402, Bethesda, MD 20814

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