What symptoms indicate spinal stenosis versus general back pain?

What symptoms indicate spinal stenosis versus general back pain?

Are you trying to work out whether your pain is general back pain or spinal stenosis?

Below is a guide which I hope helps you understand the difference and what to look for.  It's important to say that you can only diagnose spinal stenosis with an MRI but hope this guide gives you some help of what to look out for. 

Quick refresher: what is spinal stenosis?

Spinal stenosis means the space around your spinal nerves has narrowed. When space gets tight, the nerves get irritated. That irritation shows up most when you’re upright and moving, especially walking. 

Spinal stenosis: the tell-tale symptom pattern

If you’re ticking several of these, stenosis is more likely:

• Leg symptoms with standing/walking: aching, burning, tingling, numbness, heaviness or weakness into the buttock/legs.

• Limited walking distance: you have to stop or sit down after a while because your legs feel heavy or painful.

• Feels better when you bend forward: the classic “shopping-trolley sign” (leaning on a trolley, stroller or walking stick eases things).

• Relief with sitting or a forward-lean: symptoms settle quickly when you sit or curl up slightly.

• Often in older adults, or anyone with age-related spinal changes.

  Find out more about Spinal stenosis treatment

General back pain: how it usually behaves

General/mechanical back pain is more about local back ache typical patterns;

• Pain stays mainly in the back (may poke a little into the buttock but doesn’t reliably run down the leg).

• Movement-linked: worse with certain positions (twisting, lifting, long sitting) and usually better with gentle movement and time.

• No fixed walking limit: you can generally keep walking without legs getting heavy or numb.

• No shopping-trolley sign: leaning forward doesn’t make a dramatic difference.

Simple at-home “which is it?” check

• If walking time is your main limiter and sitting/leaning forward helps fast → stenosis is more likely.

• If symptoms stay local to the back, vary with posture and improve with gentle movement → more like general back pain.

If you’re unsure—or your walking distance is shrinking—book a proper assessment and (if needed) MRI so you can get a clear plan.

When to seek advice

If you have been struggling with your back or walking for a few weeks or more then its time to get an assessment for a clear diagnosis and plan of action. 

You may be recommended for an MRI especially if your symptoms are sounding typically 'stenosis type.' We use a rapid referral for £295 which takes 1 week or less to get the results. 

It's important that you get a clear diagnosis and understand your options. Find out more about Spinal stenosis treatment

General Advice and support for stenosis:

Settle & support: gentle activity (no bed rest), posture breaks, short-burst walks, simple pacing to not aggravate symptoms. 

Targeted rehab: flexion-friendly mobility, hip/glute strength, and graded walking or static bike can be good exercises for stenosis but should always be recommended by a health professional. 

Treatments options for stenosis (non-surgical first)

There are a number of treatment options for stenosis. I'll give you my insight treating stenosis over the last decade with people all over Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire area. 

 Non-invasive options:

• Shockwave therapy and Tecar therapy can help calm inflammation and back and gluteal pain quickly. 

•  IDD Therapy (computer-controlled spinal decompression) can  be very effective at gently unload the tight segment, calm the nerve and help create space that a stenosis condition needs. It's also targeted so the right section of your back gets the treatment it needs. Find out more about IDD Therapy

  

• Injections/surgery: reserved for selected cases; most people try non-surgical care first.

Your Next right step?

If any of this have struck a cord with you and you would like some clarity and and get back to enjoying life and your activities then I have some options; 

👉 Click on the link before to find a solution to your pain - either a friendly expect call for more information or if you're ready to book and start treatment immediately! - here's our diary: