Spinal stenosis occurs when the space within the spinal canal or around the
nerve roots becomes narrowed
nerve roots becomes narrowed
Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of one or more areas in your spine — most
often in your neck or lower back. This narrowing can put pressure on the spinal
cord or spinal nerves at the level of compression.
Depending on which nerves are affected, spinal stenosis can cause pain or
numbness in your legs, back, neck, shoulders or arms; limb weakness and
incoordination; loss of sensation in your extremities; and problems with bladder
or bowel function. Pain is not always present, particularly if you have spinal
stenosis in your neck.
numbness in your legs, back, neck, shoulders or arms; limb weakness and
incoordination; loss of sensation in your extremities; and problems with bladder
or bowel function. Pain is not always present, particularly if you have spinal
stenosis in your neck.
Spinal stenosis is commonly caused by age-related changes in the spine,Most people with spinal stenosis are over 50 years
old. In severe cases of spinal stenosis, doctors may recommend surgery to create
additional space for the spinal cord or nerves.
old. In severe cases of spinal stenosis, doctors may recommend surgery to create
additional space for the spinal cord or nerves.
Symptoms
Many people have evidence of spinal stenosis on X-rays, but have no signs or
symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they often start gradually and worsen over
time. The most common parts of the spine affected by spinal stenosis are the
neck and lower back. Symptoms vary, depending on the location of the stenosis.
symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they often start gradually and worsen over
time. The most common parts of the spine affected by spinal stenosis are the
neck and lower back. Symptoms vary, depending on the location of the stenosis.
Spinal stenosis in the neck
- Numbness or weakness. Spinal stenosis in your upper
(cervical) spine can cause numbness, weakness or tingling in a leg, foot, arm or
hand. You may drop things more often or have a tendency to fall. - Neck or shoulder pain. This may occur if the nerves in your
neck are compressed. However, cervical spinal stenosis often causes no pain. And
neck pain can be caused by problems other than spinal stenosis. - Loss of bowel or bladder control. In severe cases of
cervical spinal stenosis, nerves to the bladder or bowel may be affected,
leading to incontinence.
Spinal stenosis in the lower back
Compressed nerves in your lower (lumbar) spine can cause pain or cramping in your legs when you stand for long periods of time or when you walk. The discomfort usually eases when you bend forward or sit down.
When to see a doctor
Call your doctor if you have numbness or weakness in your back, legs, neck or arms.
Call your doctor if you have numbness or weakness in your back, legs, neck or arms.
Causes
Click to enlarge
As your spine ages, it’s more likely to experience bone spurs and thinned or
herniated disks. These problems can reduce the amount of space available for
your spinal cord and its nerve roots.
herniated disks. These problems can reduce the amount of space available for
your spinal cord and its nerve roots.
Many different types of problems can reduce the amount of space within the
spinal canal. The most common of these problems are related to degeneration and
the aging process. Other causes range from birth defects to benign or cancerous
tumors.
spinal canal. The most common of these problems are related to degeneration and
the aging process. Other causes range from birth defects to benign or cancerous
tumors.
Aging-related causes
- Osteoarthritis. With time, the facet joints between
adjacent vertebrae in your spine deteriorate. In an attempt to repair the
damage, your body may produce bony growths called bone spurs. These bone spurs
can narrow the spinal passages. - Disk degeneration. As you age, the cushions between your
vertebrae flatten and bulge. Eventually, the tough, fibrous outer covering of
the disk may develop tiny tears, causing the jelly-like substance in the disk’s
center to protrude and press on your spinal cord and nerve roots. - Thickened ligaments. The tough cords that help hold the
bones of your spine together can become stiff and thick over time. The
thickening along with bulging into the spinal canal can also narrow the spinal
canal and compress nervous tissue.
Other causes of spinal stenosis
- Paget’s disease of the bone. In Paget’s disease, your body
generates new bone at a faster than normal rate. This produces soft, weak bones
that are prone to fractures. It can also create bones that are deformed or
abnormally large. If this occurs in the spine, it can reduce the amount of space
available in the spinal canal. - Achondroplasia. This genetic disorder slows the rate at
which bone forms during fetal development and in early childhood, resulting in
dwarfism. People who have this condition are born with narrow spinal canals. - Spinal tumors. Abnormal growths can form inside the spinal
cord, within the membranes that cover the spinal cord or in the space between
the spinal cord and vertebrae. Enlarging tumors may compress the spinal cord and
nerve roots. - Spinal injuries. Car accidents and other major trauma can
cause dislocations or fractures of one or more vertebrae. Displaced bone from a
spinal fracture may damage the contents of the spinal canal. Swelling of
adjacent tissue immediately following back surgery also can put pressure on the
spinal cord or nerves.
It is important to seek medical care / see your primary physician immediately if you have the symptoms.
