The symptoms a patient will experience as a result of spinal stenosis will vary depending on the severity of the condition and the location of the effected vertebrae. Spinal stenosis can cause patients to feel pain, weakness, tingling, and even numbness in the arms or legs. It may also negatively impact a person’s balance. Spinal stenosis of the lumbar spine can often lead to sciatica, which is a painful sensation that can travel through the buttocks and down into the legs. Some patients may even develop bowel or bladder control problems as a result of their stenosis. If your doctor suspects that spinal stenosis may be the cause of your back pain or other issues, they will perform a physical exam and order imaging tests that can provide them with crucial information about the interior function of your body. X-ray, MRI, CT scan, electromyogram, or a bone scan may be required depending on your condition. Spinal stenosis is often caused by excess bone growth around the spinal nerves that can result from osteoarthritis. It may also be the result of a traumatic injury, herniated disc, tumor, or thickened spinal ligaments. These tests can help your doctor understand the exact cause of your pain, so they can appropriately diagnose your condition.