Pain is a common symptom of spinal stenosis and the location of the pain will depend on whether the stenosis is present in the upper or lower portions of the spine. 95% of patients with spinal canal stenosis experience sciatica while 70% complain of sensory changes in their lower limbs. Some of the other symptoms of spinal stenosis include:

• Pain that radiates down the leg (sciatica)
• Cramping or general pain in either the arms or legs
• Foot drop – in which painful leg weakness causes the affected foot to “slap” on the ground
• Numbness and weakness in the affected limbs

• Pain that is more severe when upright and reduces while sitting