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Leg pain or numbness when standing or walking that eases when sitting or bending forward

Also called: Spinal stenosis

Leg pain or numbness when standing or walking that eases when sitting or bending forward is often spinal stenosis.

Common causesSpinal stenosis
Usually serious?Usually not
Get checked ifWeakness or bladder problems
If you think it's an emergency, call 911.Thinking about suicide? Call or text 988.

Overview

Common in older adults.

Leaning forward helps.

When to get medical care

Call 911Loss of bladder control.
Get care todayWeakness.
See a doctor soonLeg pain with walking.

Causes

Caused by narrowing of the spinal canal.

OwieClear has pages on 1 condition that can cause leg pain or numbness when standing or walking that eases when sitting or bending forward. Each shows how soon to get care.

Common causes

  • Spinal stenosisSee a doctor if it doesn't get better

    Narrowing of the spaces in the lower spine that squeezes the nerves.

What you can do at home

  • Stay active.

Medicines

Physical therapy, injections, or surgery.

At the doctor

Imaging.

Questions you may be asked

  • Symptoms

The exam

A back exam.

Tests

  • MRI

Prevention

Stay active.

  • Exercise

Check your symptoms

Most symptoms have more than one possible cause. The symptom checker looks at all of your symptoms together, plus your age, and shows how soon to get care.

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Sources

Last updated 2026-11-13.