is the lumbar area the back
This topic is about spinal stenosis of the lower back, also known as the lumbar area. If you need information on spinal stenosis of the neck, see the topic Cervical Spinal Stenosis. What is lumbar spinal stenosis? Lumbar spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal in the lower back, known as the lumbar area. This usually happens when bone or tissue-or both-grow in the openings in the spinal bones. This growth can squeeze and irritate nerves that branch out from the spinal cord. The result can be pain, numbness, or weakness, most often in the legs, feet, and buttocks. What causes lumbar spinal stenosis?