|
|
Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of spaces in the spine (backbone) that results
in pressure on the spinal cord and/or nerve roots. This disorder usually
involves the narrowing of one or more of three areas of the spine:
- the canal in the center of the column of bones (vertebral or spinal column)
through which the spinal cord and nerve roots run,
- the canals at the base or roots of nerves branching out from the spinal
cord, or
- the openings between vertebrae (bones of the spine) through which nerves
leave the spine and go to other parts of the body. The narrowing may involve a
small or large area of the spine. Pressure on the lower part of the spinal cord
or on nerve roots branching out from that area may give rise to pain or numbness
in the legs. Pressure on the upper part of the spinal cord (that is, the neck
area) may produce similar symptoms in the shoulders, or even the legs.
Who Gets Spinal Stenosis?
This disorder is most common in people over 50 years of age. However, it may
occur in younger people who are born with a narrowing of the spinal canal or who
suffer an injury to the spine.
Back to Spinal Stenosis |
