If standing or walking brings on leg pain, heaviness, or numbness that eases when you sit or lean forward, spinal stenosis may be the reason. At The Spine and Wellness Center in Coral Springs, Dr. Jared Cohen, DC has helped patients across Coral Springs and Parkland manage stenosis with conservative, non-surgical care since 2005. This guide explains what spinal stenosis is, the difference between central and foraminal stenosis, the telltale symptoms, and the options available before surgery is ever considered.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Jared Cohen, DC · Updated June 2026

What Is Spinal Stenosis?

Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spaces within the spine. When those spaces tighten, they can crowd the spinal cord or the nerve roots that branch off of it. That pressure is what produces the pain, numbness, and weakness many patients experience, most often in the lower back and legs.

Stenosis usually develops slowly over years as the spine changes with age, which is why it is most common in adults over 50. The gradual onset means symptoms often creep up rather than appear suddenly.

Central vs. Foraminal Stenosis

Understanding the type of stenosis helps explain the symptoms and guides treatment. Central stenosis is a narrowing of the main canal where the spinal cord travels, which can affect both sides of the body. Foraminal stenosis is a narrowing of the smaller openings where individual nerve roots exit the spine, which tends to cause symptoms along the path of a specific nerve, often on one side.

Recognizing the Symptoms

A hallmark of lumbar stenosis is neurogenic claudication, leg pain or heaviness that worsens with standing and walking and improves when you sit or bend forward. This position-dependent pattern is an important clue.

• Leg pain, cramping, or heaviness when walking or standing
• Relief when sitting, leaning forward, or pushing a shopping cart
• Numbness or tingling in the buttocks, legs, or feet
• Weakness in the legs over time
• Lower back pain or stiffness that builds gradually

What Causes Spinal Stenosis?

Most stenosis stems from age-related changes that gradually reduce space in the spine. Several factors commonly contribute.

• Arthritis and bone spurs that crowd the canal or nerve openings
• Thickened spinal ligaments that bulge inward
• Bulging or herniated discs that narrow the available space
• Past injuries or spinal degeneration over time
• Congenitally narrow spinal canals in some individuals

Conservative, Non-Surgical Care

The good news is that many people manage stenosis successfully without surgery. Our spinal stenosis treatment focuses on relieving pressure on the nerves, improving mobility, and helping you stay active and comfortable. Because forward-bending positions tend to open the spinal spaces, flexion-based exercises are often a valuable part of the plan.

Non-surgical spinal decompression may help by gently creating more room within the spine and easing pressure on compressed nerves. Combined with gentle chiropractic care, targeted stretching, and core strengthening, many patients find they can walk farther and stand longer with less discomfort. Patients from Coral Springs, Parkland, Coconut Creek, and Boca Raton value this drug-free, conservative approach as a first step.

Daily Strategies That Help

Simple adjustments to daily activity can reduce flare-ups and keep you moving comfortably.

• Use a stationary bike or lean slightly forward to extend walking comfort
• Take sitting breaks during long walks or errands
• Practice gentle flexion stretches as recommended
• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce spinal load
• Stay active to preserve strength and flexibility

When Surgery Is Considered

Surgery is generally reserved for cases where conservative care has not provided enough relief or when there is significant, progressive weakness or nerve involvement. For most people, however, non-surgical care is an appropriate and effective starting point. If your symptoms are limiting your daily life, an evaluation can clarify your options. To schedule a visit with Dr. Cohen, use our contact page or call our Coral Springs office, which serves Parkland, Margate, Tamarac, and the surrounding area.