Spinal stenosis

Alternative names:

sciatica

Symptoms:

• pain in the buttocks, thighs, or calves that is worse with walking or exercise
• numbness in the buttocks, thighs, or calves, that is worse with standing, walking, or exercise
• back pain that radiates to the legs
• weakness of the legs
• neck pain
• leg pain

Signs and tests:

An examination of reflexes of lower extremities reveals asymmetry. Neurologic examination confirms leg weakness and decreased sensation in the legs.

• An X-ray of the spine shows degenerative changes and narrowed spinal canal.
• A spine MRI or spinal CT scan shows spinal stenosis.
• An EMG may show active and chronic neurological changes.