Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is a medical condition affecting the low back in which the spinal canal narrows and compresses the spinal cord and nerves. LSS can be contributed to common degeneration of the spine due to aging, spinal disc herniation, osteoporosis or tumor.
Spinal stenosis may also affect the cervical or thoracic regions of the spine and can even be present in all three areas in the same patient.
Lumbar stenosis usually results in lower back pain, but can also be accompanied by weakness and numbness/tingling in the legs, thighs, feet, buttocks and loss of bladder and bowel control.