Spinal Stenosis is caused by the narrowing of the spinal canal and nerve root canal. It is sometimes caused by the enlargement of the facet joints, stiffening of the ligaments and overgrowth of bone and bone spurs. These changes in the spine can be age-related, and the condition tends to only deteriorate over time. Degenerative changes of the spine are seen in up to 95% of people by the age of 50.
The pressure on the spinal cord or the nerves can cause pain, muscle weakness or numbness, among other complications. Stenosis can affect any area of the spine, but is most common in the lumbar (lower back) area.
Mild to moderate symptoms can be treated with medications, physical therapy and minor medical procedures. More severe symptoms may require surgery.
Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis
- Back Pain
- Sciatica, or burning pain in buttocks or through legs
- Numbness or tingling in buttocks or through legs
- Weakness in the legs, or “foot drop“
- Pain reduces when leaning forward or sitting
Main Cause of Spinal Stenosis
Osteoarthritis is the most common cause of Spinal Stenosis. The cushioning disc between vertebrae dries out and shrinks, bone mass diminishes and the bone spurs develop. Facet joints also enlarge with age. The bigger a facet joint becomes, the less space is available for the spinal nerve inside the nerve root canal.
Non-Surgical Treatments for Spinal Stenosis
- Physical Therapy (Osteopathy)
- Lumbar Traction
- Anti-Inflammatory Medications
- Steroid Injections
- Acupuncture and / or Chiropractic Treatment
We found the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons web page on Spinal Stenosis to be very comprehensive, and used it as s resource for much of the information and images on this post.