Neuropathic Pain Severity and Its Association With Radiological Findings in Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

This cross-sectional observational study aims to evaluate neuropathic pain severity in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) and to investigate its association with radiological findings. Neuropathic pain will be evaluated using the Neuropathic Pain Symptom Inventory (NPSI). Pain intensity, neuropathic pain characteristics, functional status, walking capacity, and psychological symptoms will also be assessed. The relationships between NPSI scores and clinical, functional, psychological, and radiological parameters will be investigated.

Inclusion Criteria: * Age ≥18 years. * Diagnosis of lumbar spinal stenosis based on clinical evaluation and lumbar magnetic resonance imaging findings. * Presence of low back and/or leg pain or symptoms of neurogenic claudication. * Sufficient cognitive ability to understand and complete the study questionnaires. Exclusion Criteria: * Presence of diabetic neuropathy, polyneuropathy, peripheral nerve entrapment neuropathy, or other causes of neuropathic pain. * Acute symptomatic lumbar disc herniation considered to be the primary cause of radicular symptoms. * Active malignancy or a history of spinal metastasis. * History of major lumbar spine surgery, such as lumbar fusion. * Severe psychiatric disorder or cognitive impairment that prevents reliable completion of the study questionnaires.