Typical symptoms
- Heavy, cramping legs after walking 100 to 500 metres
- Relief when sitting or bending forward (shopping cart sign)
- Lower back stiffness, often without sharp pain
- Numbness or weakness in both legs
SPINE CONDITION
Spinal stenosis
If your legs grow heavy and cramp after a few hundred metres — forcing you to stop, sit down or lean on a shopping cart — spinal stenosis may be the reason. It is a progressive narrowing of the spinal canal that compresses the nerves running through it, causing this neurogenic claudication that eases the moment you lean forward. Modern surgery can give you back the walking distance you've lost.
Recognising the symptoms
Most cases evolve over years. Walking distance decreases, posture changes and patients instinctively lean forward to widen the canal.
When to consult
- Walking distance drops below 200 metres
- Daily activities become limited or unsafe
- Loss of balance or recurrent falls
- Failure of NSAIDs and physiotherapy after 3 months
Red flags — emergency
- Rapidly worsening leg weakness
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Saddle anaesthesia
- Severe pain after a fall in an older patient
Causes and diagnosis
Stenosis results from the slow degeneration of discs, facet joints and the ligamentum flavum, which combine to narrow the canal. It is most often lumbar but can also affect the cervical spine, where it threatens spinal cord function.
MRI is the cornerstone of diagnosis. The clinical exam, walking test and standing X-rays determine whether the radiological finding matches the patient's functional limitations.
Diagnostic process
- Walking test with timed distance and provocation
- Lumbar or cervical MRI — central, lateral and foraminal evaluation
- Standing dynamic X-rays (flexion / extension)
- Vascular screening to exclude vascular claudication
- Multidisciplinary review combining neurosurgery and rehabilitation
Treatments we offer
We always start with the least invasive option that delivers durable relief. Surgery is reserved for cases where conservative care has failed or red flags are present.
Stage 1
Targeted conservative care
Posture and gait rehabilitation, low-impact cardio, NSAIDs and selective nerve root blocks. Effective when impairment is moderate.
Stage 2
Mini-invasive decompression
Microscopic or endoscopic laminectomy through a small midline incision. Targets only the segment responsible for symptoms while preserving stability.
Stage 3
Decompression + fusion
Indicated when stenosis is associated with instability or degenerative spondylolisthesis. Modern instrumented fusion uses 3D navigation and percutaneous screws.
Surgical technology
Why choose Franchir
Treated in 4 to 8 weeks
Dedicated international slots reserved with our French partner surgeons — no 12 to 18 month waiting list.
3D navigation & robotics
Minimally invasive procedures, intra-operative imaging and the latest implants — often unavailable locally.
Fully bilingual pathway
Coordination from Montréal to France in French and English, with your home physician kept in the loop.
Transparent quote
Detailed pricing before any procedure, insurance support and no hidden fees.
Your journey, step by step
Step 1
Initial review
45-minute appointment with our clinical nurse specialist to review imaging, symptoms and history.
Step 2
Specialist file — 48 h
Your case is shared with the most relevant French spine surgeon. Treatment plan delivered within 48 hours.
Step 3
Travel & surgery
Concierge organises stay, transport and admission. Surgery takes place in a partner centre of excellence.
Step 4
Coordinated follow-up
Post-op recovery in Québec with shared follow-up between Franchir's team and your home physician.
Stories & procedures
Patient stories, surgeon interviews and procedures filmed with the Franchir network.
Live from the OR — Dynamic lumbar stabilization (TOPS) with Dr. Brauge
with Dr Brauge
Live from the OR — Nerve release, anatomical integrity, mobility preservation: 3 surgeons
Frequently asked questions
Symptoms typically progress over months to years. Mild stenosis can be controlled with rehabilitation, but a continuously shrinking walking distance or new weakness usually warrants surgical decompression.
Check your eligibility
Send us your imaging and medical history. A specialist reviews your file and confirms whether surgery is the right option — for free.