There are two major types of spinal stenosis present. One occurs in the low back-lumbar area, commonly known as the lumbar spinal stenosis, while the second one restricts movement in the neck-cervical area, known as cervical spinal stenosis.
In the case of a lumbar spinal stenosis, the nerves in the lumbar area of the spine are choked. This either causes irritation, numbness, weakness or complete disability in the lower back as well as the legs. Moving abruptly might cause the pain to aggravate and become sharper with time.
Cervical spinal stenosis needs immediate medical attention. The initial pain symptom might progress on its own, and may lead to varying degrees of permanent nerve damage. Both of these types of stenosis may start with pain and numbness sensation of irritation of spinal nerves which then grows over time.