Physiotherapy 'just as effective' in reducing pain of lumbar spinal stenosis Lumbar spinal stenosis is the leading cause of back pain among the elderly Causes shooting pains, tingling, twinging and numbness in the lower body Surgery has a 15% complication rate, so experts said physiotherapy could be a good first line treatment Surgery is recommended when treating pain with drugs and Physiotherapy have failed and for patients with increasing weakness of the legs or loss of bowel or bladder function.