Spinal Stenosis

What is spinal stenosis?

Spinal stenosis refers to narrowing of the spinal canal. This may cause compression of the spinal cord centrally or to the exiting nerves of the spinal cord laterally. It occurs as a result of degeneration and is often age related. As we age, the bones and ligaments of the spine may thicken and enlarge from arthritis and may contribute to further narrowing of the spinal canal. The intervertebral discs lose fluid and cause reduced height of the disc. As the disc height reduces and the disc hardens, it may bulge into the spinal canal, further narrowing the spinal canal. This degeneration alters the normal biomechanics of the spine and may cause increased stress to the facet joints/posterior elements causing facet arthropathy.

What are some symptoms of spinal stenosis?

The pain caused from spinal stenosis varies depending on the location of the narrowing. Stenosis of the cervical spine may cause neck pain or weakness affecting the upper extremities. Lumbar stenosis may cause low back pain or weakness in the legs and feet. Pain is often located in the buttocks and posterior thigh and is often exacerbated with prolonged walking. This is known as neurogenic claudication and the pain is often relieved with lumbar flexion ("shopping cart sign") and with rest.

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