Image of man experiencing back pain
Spinal Stenosis Care

Spinal Stenosis

Persistent back pain, leg numbness or weakness, or a tingling that limits your day?

We diagnose and treat spinal stenosis with minimally invasive options, targeted rehabilitation, and comprehensive follow-up.

  • Minimally invasive options
  • Imaging-guided diagnosis
  • Personalised recovery plans

Is this you?

  • Pain when standing or walking; relief when sitting
  • Tingling, numbness, “pins & needles” in legs/feet
  • Reduced walking tolerance or leg heaviness
Early assessment helps tailor non-surgical care and identify who benefits from surgery.
At Melbourne Brain & Spine Clinic, we combine careful evaluation, evidence-based treatments, and structured follow-up to help you move with confidence.

Why Choose Melbourne Brain & Spine Clinic

Spinal Surgery Expertise

Specialist in spinal anatomy and nerve function.

Full Spectrum Care

From non-surgical management through to surgery and rehabilitation.

Personalised Plans

Tailored to your condition, age and lifestyle.

Strong Support & Follow-Up

Ongoing guidance and rehabilitation to maintain results.

Team of surgeons operating on patient’s spine

Types of Spinal Stenosis

Understanding where the narrowing occurs helps choose the right treatment.

Central stenosis

Narrowing of the central canal, often affecting multiple nerve roots.

Lateral recess stenosis

Narrowing at the sides of the canal where nerves travel.

Foraminal stenosis

Tightening of the openings (foramina) where nerve roots exit.

Mixed forms

Combination of central and foraminal compression.

Common Causes

  • Age-related changes (disc bulges, thickened ligaments, facet joint arthritis)
  • Disc herniation pressing into the spinal canal
  • Congenital (naturally narrower canal)
  • Injuries or fractures from sport/accidents
  • Scarring or instability after surgery
  • Tumours or unusual growths (less common)

Common Signs

  • Tingling, numbness, or “pins & needles” in legs/feet
  • Weakness in the legs and difficulty walking
  • Pain on standing/walking, relief when sitting
  • Leg pain, heaviness, or cramping (neurogenic claudication)
Image of Dr Fahmi Jalil in spinal stenosis surgery

Diagnosis Methods

We combine thorough evaluation with imaging to locate the exact cause and plan the right care.

  1. Clinical evaluation & history: Discuss symptoms, triggers, and relief.
  2. Neurological exam: Reflexes, muscle strength, and sensation.
  3. Imaging: MRI (most informative), CT/CT myelogram, X-rays for alignment/stability.
  4. Dynamic/functional studies: Imaging while moving to detect instability.
Mr Fahmi Jalil, Neurosurgeon

Mr Fahmi Jalil

MBBS, BMedSc, FRACS — Neurosurgeon

Australian-trained neurosurgeon with advanced training in minimally invasive and endoscopic spine surgery in the United States.

Treats cervical and lumbar conditions with a focus on precise diagnosis, tailored treatment, and structured follow-up.

Spinal Stenosis – Frequently Asked Questions

What is spinal stenosis?
A narrowing of the spinal canal or nerve openings that can compress nerves. It most often occurs in the neck or lower back and can cause pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness. Common causes include age-related wear (disc bulges, arthritis, thickened ligaments), herniated discs, and, less commonly, congenital narrowing or prior injury.
When is surgery needed?
When symptoms remain significant after a period of non-surgical care (e.g., physiotherapy, medicines, targeted injections), or when there’s progressive weakness, severe walking limitation, spinal instability, or red-flag signs like changes in bowel/bladder function. Imaging findings must align with symptoms.
Is minimally invasive surgery safe?
In experienced hands, minimally invasive (MIS) techniques are generally safe and can offer smaller incisions, less muscle disruption and blood loss, and faster recovery compared to traditional open surgery. Not every case is suitable, and risks (infection, bleeding, dural tear, nerve injury, recurrence) still exist.
What recovery time should I expect?
It depends on the procedure and your health. For a decompression alone, many return to light activity in 2–4 weeks and fuller activity by 6–12 weeks. If fusion is required, light activity may take 6–12 weeks, with fuller recovery over 3–6 months. Walking usually begins day one, followed by guided physiotherapy.
Can physical therapy help?
Yes. A tailored program (core/hip strengthening, posture training, flexion-based exercises, graded walking, sometimes neural mobilisation) can reduce pain and improve walking distance. It’s a common first-line option and often part of recovery after surgery.
Will my condition worsen without surgery?
Many people remain stable or have symptoms that fluctuate. Some do worsen over months to years. Warning signs include increasing pain, reduced walking tolerance, or new/progressive weakness or numbness. Regular review and a personalised plan help decide when to escalate care.

General information only — not a substitute for medical advice.

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