Why it happens and its signs
With age the discs, joints and ligaments thicken and narrow the canal, compressing the nerves. The patient walks a limited distance, then feels leg pain or numbness and stops; sitting or leaning forward relieves it. Unlike a herniated disc, the pain relates to posture and walking.
Conservative treatment first
Physiotherapy, medication, activity adjustment and epidural injections help many patients. Surgery is considered when walking distance drops significantly, quality of life is affected, or there is progressive weakness.
Decompression — with or without fusion?
The core surgery is decompression: removing the structures pressing on the nerves, today often with tissue-sparing techniques. Fusion (screws) is added only when there is instability or slippage; not every patient needs screws. The decision is individual, based on MRI and X-ray.
Recovery
Most patients stand up quickly and their walking distance improves gradually. Recovery time depends on age, the extent of decompression and whether fusion was performed.