Spine
Spinal Stenosis
Specialist evaluation of narrowing in the spinal canal that causes back or leg pain, heaviness when walking, or relief when leaning forward.
Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the space around the nerves or spinal cord. In the lumbar spine, it typically causes heaviness, aching, or cramping in the legs with walking that improves with sitting or leaning forward (often called neurogenic claudication).
Treatment ranges from structured physiotherapy and targeted injections to surgical decompression. Dr. Zuhair Abu Salma focuses on matching the treatment to the patient’s daily-life impact, not just the imaging.
Common symptoms
- Heaviness, aching, or cramping in one or both legs with walking
- Relief when sitting, leaning on a shopping cart, or going up stairs
- Low back pain that has gradually worsened over months or years
- Numbness or tingling in the feet with prolonged standing
When to see a doctor
- Walking distance has shortened — fewer minutes before pain forces a stop
- Symptoms are limiting daily life (shopping, prayer, work)
- New weakness, falls, or loss of bladder/bowel control
- Conservative care has not given enough relief after 6–12 weeks
What to expect at your visit
- A review of how the symptoms affect walking, standing, and daily tasks
- MRI review and a discussion of whether the imaging matches the symptoms
- A realistic plan: what to try first, when to reassess, and what surgery would involve if needed
Book your consultation
Book an appointment with Dr. Zuhair at Vetro Medical Center, Al-Khalidi Street, Amman.