WHAT IS SPINAL STENOSIS?
Spinal stenosis is a
narrowing of the spinal canal. Some patients are born with this narrowing,
but most often spinal stenosis is the result of a degenerative condition
that develops in people over the age of 50. Spinal stenosis is the gradual
result of aging and "wear and tear" on the spine from everyday
activities.
Degenerative or age-related changes in our bodies can
lead to compression of nerves (pressure on the nerves may cause pain
and/or damage).
Healthy |
Stenotic |
|
|
1. Vertebral body
2. Intervertebral disc
3. Nerve root
4. Spinous process
5. Interspinous ligament
|
1. Interspinous ligament
2. Compressed spinal canal and nerve roots |
Healthy |
Stenotic |
|
|
1. Spinal canal
2. Supraspinous ligament
3. Interspinous ligament
4. Intervertebral disc
|
1. Bulging ligament
2. Bulging disc |
AS WE AGE
- The ligaments of the spine can thicken and calcify (harden from
deposits of calcium)
- Bones and joints may also enlarge
- Bone spurs, called osteophytes, may form
- Discs may collapse and bulge (or herniate)
- One vertebra may slip over another (called spondylolisthesis)
|
If you suffer from lumbar spinal stenosis you may feel various
symptoms, including:
- Numbness and “pins and needles” in your legs, calves or
buttocks
- Weakness, or a loss of balance, and
- A decreased endurance for physical activities
- These symptoms may or may not be associated with back pain
1. Pinched nerve root
2. "Kissing" spinous processes
|
 Symptoms can increase after walking a certain distance or
standing for a time.
Symptoms can improve during sitting, rest and by bending forward. |
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