Degenerative Stenosis

Degenerative stenosis, also known as spinal stenosis, is a condition characterized by the narrowing of the spaces within the spine. This narrowing can put pressure on the spinal cord and the nerves that travel through the spine, causing symptoms such as pain, numbness, and weakness.

Degenerative stenosis is usually caused by wear and tear on the spine over time, which can lead to the formation of bone spurs, thickened ligaments, and bulging discs. These changes can narrow the spinal canal or the spaces where the nerves exit the spine.

The symptoms of degenerative stenosis can vary depending on the location and severity of the narrowing. Common symptoms include back pain, leg pain or weakness, numbness or tingling in the legs or feet, and difficulty walking or standing for prolonged periods.

Treatment for degenerative stenosis typically begins with conservative measures such as physical therapy, pain management, and activity modification. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.

Causes

Spinal bones are stacked in a column from the skull to the tailbone. They protect the spinal cord, which runs through an opening called the spinal canal.

Some people are born with a small spinal canal. But most spinal stenosis occurs when something happens to reduce the amount of open space within the spine. Causes of spinal stenosis include:

Bone spurs. Wear-and-tear damage from arthritis can cause extra bone to grow on the spine. These are called bone spurs. They can push into the spinal canal. Paget's disease also can cause extra bone to grow on the spine.

Herniated disks. Disks are the soft cushions that act as shock absorbers between your spinal bones. If part of the disk's soft inner material leaks out, it can press on the spinal cord or nerves.

Thick ligaments. The strong cords that help hold the bones of your spine together can become stiff and thick over time. Thick ligaments can push into the spinal canal.

Tumors. Rarely, tumors can form inside the spinal canal.

Spinal injuries. Car accidents and other trauma can cause spinal bones to break or move out of place. Swelling of nearby tissue right after back surgery also can put pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.