Donny, spinal stenosis is primarily attributed to the aging process, but has also been attributed to smoking, which decreases blood flow to vital organs and the spine. Standing for hours on end while playing could eventually cause problems, even when the keyboard is adjusted on the stand to the highest playing position.

The biggest culprit is calcification of the spinal foramen, the openings in the spine where the nerves exit. As these openings begin to close, sometimes due to inflammation, the nerve is compressed, resulting in horrendous pain that often radiates down the affected extremity. In the case of L4/5 L5/S1, this compresses the sciatic nerve. In my case, the compression is so severe that my right leg is partly paralyzed. This is something I just have to live with because of my lung problem. I would not survive the anesthesia.

Hope this helps,

Gary