October 24, 2025
Spinal stenosis is a condition where the spinal canal, the pathway for the nerves within the spine, becomes narrowed.
This article explains the relationship between spinal stenosis and leg numbness.
What is Spinal Stenosis?
Spinal stenosis is a condition where the spinal canal (the nerve pathway) narrows, leading to compression of the spinal nerves. When the instability of the lumbar vertebrae is the cause, pain often worsens with body movement.
Typical Symptom of Spinal Canal Stenosis: Leg Numbness
When the spinal canal narrows, the nerves are compressed. This nerve compression leads to pain and numbness in the lower limbs in addition to back pain.
When standing upright or walking, pressure on the nerves increases, making numbness in the thighs or calves more noticeable.
Conversely, bending slightly forward or sitting down to round the lower back can relieve symptoms — a typical feature of spinal canal stenosis.
Even if numbness is initially temporary, as stenosis progresses, the numbness can become chronic and more severe.
One of the most characteristic symptoms of spinal canal stenosis is intermittent claudication.
Intermittent Claudication is the phenomenon where a person feels numbness or weakness in the legs while walking, forcing them to stop, but they can resume walking after resting for a short time (by squatting or sitting down).
As the stenosis progresses, the distance a person can walk before needing to rest shortens.
When Should You See a Doctor?
If you are concerned about symptoms in your legs, you should see a specialist as soon as possible. Receiving an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment can help prevent further nerve damage.
If you experience symptoms such as:
- Shortened walking distance
- Numbness spreading to both legs
- Weakness in the legs
These may indicate progression of spinal canal stenosis. In such cases, prompt consultation with an orthopedic specialist is recommended.
Our Clinic’s Treatment Options
Our clinic offers minimally invasive treatments with low risk and quick recovery.
The Cellgel Method
For disc-related issues (such as disc herniation), we offer the Cellgel Method, a treatment that repairs the damaged intervertebral disc.
In the Cellgel Method, a medicinal agent is injected to fill the fissures in the disc. This agent solidifies into a gel, patching the tear, which allows for fundamental treatment. The disc’s volume is preserved, as the agent remains in the disc as a gel implant after treatment.
👉 Learn more about the Cellgel Method
The Florence Method ＆ The Q-Florence Method
For patients with spinal canal stenosis, we offer the Florence and Q-Florence methods.
These are low-risk, minimally invasive procedures.
A device is inserted percutaneously (through the skin) under local anesthesia and sedation to widen the narrowed spinal canal.
The device helps stabilize the vertebrae, widens the spinal canal, suppresses disc protrusion, and reduces the thickening of the ligamentum flavum, all while maintaining the spine’s rotational and bending capabilities. The widening of the spinal canal alleviates the pain.
Both the Florence Method and Q-Florence Method are low-risk treatments with few reported complications or symptom recurrences.
👉 Learn more about the Florence method
👉 Learn more about the Q-Florence method (article in Japanese)
If you are struggling with spinal stenosis, please consider visiting our clinic for a consultation.
Related Articles
Lumbar Spinal Canal Stenosis: What is Actually Happening to my Body?
Is it Already Too Late! ? What Should I Do About Spinal Canal Stenosis That Has Been Left Untreated?
Why Do the Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis Differ From Person to Person?
Self-Check: Assessing the Progression of Spinal Canal Stenosis
Diagnosis and Treatment of Spinal Stenosis: Why Early Detection is Critical
