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Spinal stenosis - Symptom

Symptoms:

Back pain that spreads to the legs
Difficulty or imbalance when walking
Leg pain
Neck pain
Numbness in the buttocks, thighs, or calves that is worse with standing, walking, or exercise
Pain in the buttocks, thighs, or calves that is worse with walking or exercise
Weakness of the legs

Signs and tests:

Neurological examination confirms leg weakness and decreased sensation in the legs.

EMG may show neurological changes.
Spinal MRI or spinal CT scan shows spinal stenosis.
X-ray of the spine shows degenerative changes and narrowed spinal canal.

Sciatic nerve

Spinal stenosis

Reviewed last on: 5/12/2008
Thomas N. Joseph, MD, Private Practice specializing in Orthopaedics, subspecialty Foot and Ankle, Camden Bone & Joint, Camden, SC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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Spinal stenosis - Symptom

Symptoms:

Signs and tests: