What the difference from spinal stenosis and lateral recess stenosis ? and is one worse than the other? thanxx

Theybare both a : Narrowing of the spinal canal leading to compression of neural tissue with spinal stenosis being a more global term usually reflecting a narrowing of the main spinal canal while lateral recess stenosis refers to the side edges of the canal similar to the areas a pitched roof would join to the walls of a house.

Different symptoms: Lateral recess stenosis typically just affects a single nerve, causing varying degrees of pain, weakness, and/or numbness. Central canal stenosis usually affects the entire bundle of nerves in the canal at the affected level. This can include the symptoms above, as well as difficulty standing or walking, also known as neurogenic claudication.