What are the symptoms of spinal stenosis?

Symptoms are the first thing a clinician asks about, so they are the first thing to get in order before a visit in the Bloomfield area.

Which symptoms does spinal stenosis cause?

MedlinePlus lists these symptoms: pain in your neck or back, numbness, weakness, cramping, or pain in your arms or legs, pain going down the leg, and foot problems. MedlinePlus also says symptoms might appear gradually or not at all.

Symptoms that build slowly

A symptom on its own is a starting point, not a diagnosis. Two people can share a symptom and still need different next steps, and an exam is how a clinician sorts that out. Because symptoms can come on slowly, the date you first noticed each one is useful detail to keep.

Steps to take before your appointment

1. Write each symptom on its own line, with the body area where you feel it.
2. Next to each line, note when it began and whether it has changed since.
3. Add what brings it on, such as standing, walking or bending, and what eases it.
4. Read the MedlinePlus spinal stenosis overview once so the terms are familiar.
5. Browse the MedlinePlus pain page for general background, then bring your list and your questions to the visit.

Keeping your own symptom record

A written list works as the first record of your case. It keeps the visit focused on you instead of on memory. If you ever have sudden weakness or loss of bladder or bowel control, get emergency care right away.