Imaging the lumbar spine of a patient with spinal stenosis reveals a narrowed spinal canal through which the nerves pass. Provided by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency

As the season transitions into winter, temperatures drop sharply and daily temperature differences grow wider, so patients with spinal stenosis may experience more severe pain. Experts advise that starting active treatment early and strengthening the surrounding muscles can significantly improve symptoms even without surgery.

Spinal stenosis is a condition in which the spinal canal through which the spinal nerves pass becomes narrow, primarily causing pain or abnormal sensations in the lower back and legs. In particular, as the weather turns colder, increased tension in the muscles and ligaments around the spine can compress the nerves and worsen symptoms. Stenosis can occur in the neck (cervical spine) as well but is more common in the lower back (lumbar spine), and symptoms can spread from the lower back to the buttocks, thighs, and calves. The fact that symptoms ease when bending the back forward or resting distinguishes it from other lumbar disorders. Cervical stenosis can cause pain, decreased strength, and sensory changes in the neck, shoulders, and arms, and in severe cases may progress to myelopathy, with damage to the spinal cord and nerve roots.

The main cause is degenerative change due to aging. As people grow older, tissues that make up the spine, such as the intervertebral discs, facet joints, and ligamentum flavum, deform and compress nerves, leading to the condition. Prolonged sitting, poor posture, and being overweight are factors that accelerate this degeneration. Shin Myung-Hoon, a neurosurgery professor at Incheon St. Marys Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, said, “In the early stages, conservative treatment is the basic approach; combining rest and activity restriction with medication·physical therapy and strengthening exercises helps relieve pain and restore function,” and added, “However, if weakness or spinal cord injury appears, surgery should be considered at an appropriate time.”

When surgery is required, the thickened ligamentum flavum, facet joints, and intervertebral discs in the lumbar spine are removed, and spinal fusion and internal fixation devices may be used as needed. In the cervical spine, surgeons approach from the front or back to remove the degenerated area and perform procedures to secure spinal stability. Combining postoperative physical therapy with isometric strengthening and core exercises helps strengthen the muscles around the spine and prevent recurrence.

For prevention, avoid sitting in the same posture for long periods, and avoid excessively bending the back or lifting heavy objects. Keeping the muscles around the spine flexible through regular walking, strength training, core stabilization exercises, and stretching can prevent symptom worsening. Weight control, maintaining proper posture, adequate hydration, and a balanced diet are also important.

Shin said, “Spinal stenosis is most effectively relieved and function most effectively restored when early diagnosis, lifestyle improvement, and appropriate treatment are combined,” and advised, “Routinely strengthen your back muscles, avoid habits that strain the spine, and if symptoms recur, consult a specialist without delay; this is the first step to protecting a healthy spine.”