Lumbar stenosis is a condition that occurs when the spinal canal becomes narrowed. The lumbar area is within the lower back and as a result of this narrowing, significant pressure is placed on the spinal cord and nerves become compressed. The following outlines the symptoms of lumbar stenosis, its causes and treatment methods.SymptomsThe symptoms of lumbar stenosis occur due to nerve compression. Lower Back pain that spreads to the legs is the main symptom of lumbar stenosis. Leg pain intensifies with walking and often dissipates when the individual is sitting down or leaning forward. Pain in the legs is often accompanied by tingling, weakness and numbness.CausesLumbar stenosis is caused by changes in the spine that occur as a result of aging and osteoarthritis. This causes changes in the size and shape of the spinal canal and can lead to the development of bone spurs, loss of cartilage and the thickening of ligaments.Degenerative disc disease is another condition that can cause lumbar stenosis. This condition occurs as a result of aging and causes changes in spinal discs, making them less flexible as a result of loss fluid. Lumbar stenosis can also be caused by spondylolisthesis, a condition that causes one vertebra to slip onto other vertebra. Herniated discs and injury also play a role in the development of lumbar stenosis.TreatmentIn most cases of lumbar stenosis, a conservative approach to treatment is effective and surgery is not necessary. Physical therapy is often helpful and typically involves a regimen of increasing flexibility and strengthening exercises, with the focus on building strength within the back and core muscles. Cortisone injections can reduce swelling and minimize pain. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can alleviate pain and also have anti-inflammatory properties, which can relieve swelling and inflammation that occurs around nerves.If steroid injections, physical therapy and medications are not effective at treating pain and swelling, surgery is often the next potential treatment. A laminectomy is a surgical procedure that removes anything that causes compression of the nerves, including ligaments, bone and bone spurs. During a spinal fusion, a surgeon fuses multiple vertebrae together.