Back Pain That Often Leads to Surgery

by KYW's medical editor Dr. Brian McDonough

It is called lumbar spinal stenosis and it is one of the most common causes of back surgery in the US. Essentially it is a narrowing of the spinal canal or exit point of the nerves. It is often the result of wear and tear over years.

Not everyone gets this but for those that do the pain can be severe.

MRI images can show where the compression occurs. The symptoms include back pain but burning pain in the buttocks and legs can occur. People with the problem often have pain with walking but can get relief if they sit and lean forward. The classic finding is called the shopping cart sign where people who are walking may lean forward as if pushing a cart to relieve pain.