Spinal stenosis
Content provided by Healthwise
Spinal stenosis
Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the spinal canal caused by excessive bone growth, thickening of tissue in the canal (such as ligaments or cartilage), herniated disc, or all three. This narrowing can squeeze and irritate the spinal cord itself or the spinal nerve roots where they leave the spinal cord.
The main cause of spinal stenosis is the breakdown (degeneration) of tissues caused by the normal aging process. Symptoms of spinal stenosis most often occur in people older than age 50.
Spinal stenosis occurs most often in the lower back (lumbar) area and can cause pain, numbness, or weakness in the legs, feet, or buttocks. Some people experience low back pain. These symptoms get worse when the back is stretched or extended, such as when a person is walking in a flat area or downhill, standing straight, or leaning backwards. The pain gets better when the spine is flexed forward, for example, when a person is sitting down, leaning over a grocery cart, or walking uphill.
Stenosis in the neck area is called cervical stenosis. It can cause stiffness, pain, and numbness in the neck, arms, and legs, as well as problems with bowel and bladder control (incontinence). If cervical stenosis is untreated, it can squeeze and injure the spinal cord itself and lead to nerve damage and paralysis.
Symptoms can often be controlled using pain-relief medicine, strength and flexibility exercises, physical therapy, or corticosteroid injections. Surgery may be considered for symptoms that are severe, are getting worse, or that restrict normal daily activities.
Credits
| Author | Jeannette Curtis |
| Author | Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS |
| Editor | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Tracy Landauer |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman, MATC |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Last Updated | May 25, 2007 |
| Last updated: | May 25, 2007 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS |
| Reviewed By: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Editors: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC |
© 1995-2007, Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. By using AOL Body, you indicate that you have read, understood, and agreed to our Terms of Service, and AOL Body Advertising Policy. Read more about our content partners.
Search
Where Does it Hurt?
If you're experiencing aches and pains we can help you find answers. Find out what your symptoms mean for your health.
