Spinal Stenosis

What is Spinal Stenosis?

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What is spinal stenosis?

Stenosis is a Greek word that means narrowing.  In spinal stenosis the spinal canal which is the conduit for the spinal cord and nerves is narrowed, frequently from arthritis or a combination of arthritis and bulging disks.

What causes spinal stenosis?

The cause of spinal stenosis is most commonly seen as we age and in the lower back can present with pain or heaviness in the buttocks or thighs with a reduced walking distance.  Patients frequently compensate by bending forward, for example preferring to use a shopping cart in a supermarket. In cervical spinal stenosis there can be compression of the spinal cord in the neck resulting in weakness and difficulty walking.  Both conditions need to be evaluated to assess the severity and future treatment.

Related Conditions

Experiencing shooting pain that radiates down your leg? Learn more about sciatica, another common spine condition that can occur alongside spinal stenosis

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Spinal Stenosis

What is spinal stenosis?

“Stenosis” means narrowing. In spinal stenosis, the spinal canal — the channel that carries the spinal cord and nerves — becomes narrowed, frequently from arthritis or a combination of arthritis and bulging disks.

What are the symptoms of spinal stenosis?

In the lower back it often causes pain or heaviness in the buttocks or thighs and a reduced walking distance, with relief when bending forward (many patients lean on a shopping cart). In the neck (cervical stenosis), compression of the spinal cord can cause weakness and difficulty walking.

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