Spinal Stenosis: Heavy, Dead, Sore Legs. Spine Surgeon Explains

📩 Contact us: talkingwithdocs@gmail.com Trouble walking long distances because your legs start to feel heavy, weak, numb, or painful? It might not just be aging — it could be spinal stenosis. In this episode of Talking With Docs, the doctors are joined by Dr. Brian Drew to break down what spinal stenosis actually is, why it happens as we age, and how narrowing around the nerves in the spine can cause leg symptoms that come and go with walking or standing. They explain the classic “positive shopping cart sign,” why leaning forward often feels better, how spinal stenosis differs from a herniated disc, and what treatment options are available — from exercises and physical therapy to decompression surgery. You’ll learn: • What spinal stenosis actually is • Why spinal stenosis becomes more common with age • How discs, bone spurs, and ligaments narrow the spinal canal • Why symptoms often affect both legs • What neurogenic claudication means • Why walking or standing makes symptoms worse • What the “positive shopping cart sign” is • Why leaning forward can relieve symptoms • Common symptoms (leg pain, heaviness, weakness, numbness, tingling) • How spinal stenosis differs from sciatica or a herniated disc • When an MRI may be needed • Non-surgical treatment options • What spinal decompression surgery involves • When surgery may become necessary • Why surgery helps leg pain more than back pain • Rare warning signs that need urgent medical attention If you’ve noticed your walking tolerance getting worse, your legs feeling heavy when you stand, or relief when bending forward, this episode explains what may be happening inside your spine — and what you can do about it. 🎧 Listen on Your Favourite Platforms: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3OFxEjictC41CCS1z2AVKe Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/talking-with-docs/id1799242189 YouTube Music: • TWD Podcast 👕 Shop Our MERCH: https://www.spreadshirt.ca/shop/user/talking+with+docs/ ❤️ Support Oakville Hospital: https://donate.oakvillehospitalfoundation.com 📱 Follow Us: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@talkingwithdocs Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkingwithdocs/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063617375848 🛑 DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you are experiencing ongoing symptoms or concerns, consult a qualified healthcare provider. Full disclaimer at talkingwithdocs.com. #spinalstenosis #backpain #legpain #spinehealth #neurogenicclaudication #sciatica #medicaleducation #doctorapproved #talkingwithdocs #healthtips