Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis is a deterioration of vertebrae that causes narrowing of the openings of the spinal column. Over time, this puts pressure on the nerves inside the spinal column. In most cases, individuals develop spinal stenosis in either the neck (called cervical stenosis) or the lower back (called lumbar stenosis).

The most common cause of spinal stenosis is osteoarthritis that causes bone spurs. These spurs can impinge on the spinal cord or pinch one or more nerves emanating from the spinal column. Other causes of spinal stenosis include pressure on the spinal cord or nerves from herniated discs, tumors, thickened or inflamed ligaments, or trauma that dislocates or breaks vertebrae.