What is Spinal Stenosis?

Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal that may occur in any of the regions of the spine. This narrowing causes a restriction to the spinal canal, resulting in a squeezing of your spinal cord. The location of the stenosis determines which area of the body is affected. With spinal stenosis, the spinal canal is narrowed at the vertebral canal, which is between the vertebrae where the spinal cord or nerve roots pass through.

Stenosis can be caused by other spinal injuries such as a herniated disc, or from tumors developing near your spinal cord. Most often though, like other spine ailments, it is caused by normal wear and tear of a certain region of your spine that gets the most use. Commonly related to the areas affected by Osteoarthritis.

Spinal Stenosis

Signs and Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis

Many things could be a sign of the onset of Spinal Stenosis. Having difficulty standing or walking can cause pain because this is when the vertebrae are most compressed. There could be a tingling or numbness that travels through the limbs associated with the nerves affected by the stenosis. In extreme cases, this can cause losses of bladder control because of the nerves to the bladder or bowel become weakened.

Surgical Treatment Options

Spinal Stenosis can be treated with the following procedures:

Laminotomy
Foraminotomy