Topic Overview

Symptoms of spinal stenosis can appear to be similar to symptoms of some other conditions, including:

• Low back pain.
• A herniated disc, which can occur along with spinal stenosis. A herniated disc occurs when a disc (which acts as a cushion between the bones in the spine) is damaged from an injury, normal wear and tear, or disease. This damage may cause the disc to bulge or break open (rupture). When a disc bulges or ruptures, it is called a herniated disc.
• Peripheral arterial disease. Hardening of the arteries that supply blood to the arms and legs may cause cramping pain in the leg that occurs during exercise (such as walking) and is relieved by rest (intermittent claudication).
• Abdominal aortic aneurysm.
• Nervous system changes (neuropathies), including multiple sclerosis, Guillain-Barré syndrome, changes associated with vitamin B12 and folic acid deficiencies, and focal diabetic neuropathy.
• Infections.
• Tumours.