What is spinal stenosis?

Spinal stenosis is a condition that occurs when the open spaces in the spine become more narrow. This can put pressure on the spinal cord, as well as the other nerves that travel to the arms and legs from the spine.

What are the symptoms of spinal stenosis?

Spinal stenosis is most common in the neck and lower back. When spinal stenosis occurs in the neck, the patient may experience numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arm, hand, leg, or foot. However, most people experience symptoms in the hand. Some patients may also notice trouble with balance, bladder function, and bowel function.

When spinal stenosis occurs in the lower back, patients may experience pain in the legs, especially after standing for long periods of time or walking around. Pain may be alleviated when patients sit down or bend forward.

What causes spinal stenosis?

In some cases, a person may be born with a small spinal canal. However, most cases of spinal stenosis occur later in life. Some of the possible causes of spinal stenosis include:

• Herniated discs in the spine
• Overgrowth of bone
• Injuries to the spine
• Thickened ligaments

In rare cases, spinal stenosis may also occur because of tumors inside or near the spinal cord.