One of the most common degenerative conditions affecting

the spine is lumbar spinal stenosis. Lumbar spinal stenosis

is most often caused by degenerative or arthritic conditions,

closely correlated to aging, that lead to changes in the

lamina and facet joints surrounding the spinal canal. Lumbar

spinal stenosis most commonly occurs in the lower three

levels of the lumbar spine, namely L3-L4, L4-L5, and L5-S1.

Lumbar spinal stenosis is a narrowing or constriction of the

spinal canal, which impinges on nerve roots and nerves that

extend from the spine to the legs. Nerve impingement

commonly results in pain, weakness and numbness in the

lower back or buttocks that further radiates to the thighs and

legs. When seated or bending forward, patients may

experience temporary symptom relief as the spine is in flexion,

resulting in a widening of the lumbar spinal canal. Physical symptoms tend to worsen while walking or standing upright, when the spine is in extension, decreasing the space available for the nerve roots. Accordingly, patients typically live with significant lifestyle constraints that limit daily activities, work, social and recreational pursuits.