About the topic
Lumbar spinal stenosis is narrowing around nerves in the lower back. It may cause leg pain or heaviness during standing and walking, often easing with sitting. An assessment distinguishes it from other causes.
Practical care & comfort
- Keep active within tolerable limits, using short pauses when needed.
- Ask for an exercise plan suited to your walking ability and balance.
- Record how far you can walk and bring relevant previous reports.
Symptoms & signs
- Leg aching or cramping with standing or walking.
- Symptoms that ease with sitting or leaning forward.
- Leg heaviness, weakness or tingling that limits walking.
When to speak with a clinician: Book a consultation if walking, leg function or everyday life is becoming limited. Treatment depends on your symptoms and examination.
Food & nutrition
Diet does not widen the spinal canal. Nutrition advice should reflect your overall health, rather than promise relief from nerve compression.
Foods & nutrition to follow
- Use balanced meals with vegetables, whole grains and a protein food.
- If appetite or weight is changing, ask for an individual nutrition plan.
Foods to limit or avoid
- Limit frequent high-salt, high-sugar and high-saturated-fat foods.
- Avoid crash diets or unnecessary food-group exclusions.
About this guide
General adult health information; it does not diagnose your symptoms or replace individual medical advice. Follow any plan your treating team has given you.
Further reading from the clinical sources used for this guide: