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Spinal Stenosis

Authors:
  • Cynthia M. Johnson, MA
Publication Type:

Condition

Spinal Stenosis

Definition

Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal. This can put pressure on the nerves or spinal cord.

Spinal Stenosis

Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Nuclus factsheet imagehttp://services.epnet.com/getimage.aspx?imageiid=72907290si1931.jpgsi1931.jpgNULLjpgsi1931.jpgNULL\\hgfiler01a\intellect\images\si1931.jpgNULL20NULL2008-11-072483807290_11540Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Causes

Some people are born with a small spinal canal. It can also happen with aging. Other things that may cause it are:

Risk Factors

Spinal stenosis is most common in people over 60 years of age. Things that may raise the risk are:

Symptoms

Spinal stenosis symptoms can happen anywhere along the spinal cord. It is most common in the low back (lumbar) region.

Problems may be:

  • Spreading pain in the lower back, buttock, or lower limb
  • Burning
  • Problems walking
  • Numbness, tingling, or loss of feeling in the feet
  • Weak muscles

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about symptoms and past health. A physical exam will be done.

Pictures may be taken of the spinal canal. This can be done with:

The electrical activity of the nerves, nerve roots, and muscle tissue may be measured. This can be done with electromyography.

Treatment

There is no cure, but symptoms can be managed with:

  • Medicine to ease pain and swelling
  • A corset or brace to keep the spine stable
  • Exercises to keep the spine stable and promote strength and motion

Surgery

Some people with severe symptoms may need surgery to take pressure off of the nerves or spinal cord. Options are:

  • Decompression laminectomy to remove part of the vertebra, ligaments, and bone spurs to make room for the nerves and spinal cord
  • Spinal fusion to fuse two vertebrae together to support the spine. This is almost always done after decompression laminectomy.

Prevention

There are no current guidelines to prevent spinal stenosis.

RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

References

  • Lumbar spinal stenosis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/lumbar-spinal-stenosis.
  • Spinal stenosis. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases website. Available at: https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/spinal-stenosis.
Last Updated:
2023-06-01

(C) Copyright 2023 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.