Spinal canal stenosis is a marked narrowing of the spine. Although any portion of the spine can be afflicted by stenosis, it is most commonly seen in the lumbar (lower) or thoracic (upper) regions of the back. Stenosis often impinges on the spinal nerves, resulting in uncomfortable symptoms.

Types

Of all the reasons for spinal canal stenosis, osteoarthritis is by far the main culprit. But you may also suffer from a narrowing due to a spinal injury, tumor, herniated disc or a thickening of the ligaments in your back.

Effects

Regardless of the cause, most people facing spinal stenosis, especially that which encroaches on the nerves, experience pain or discomfort within the back, hips, buttocks, legs, shoulders or neck. This may also be accompanied by numbness or tingling within the affected area, as well as potential mobility problems.

Contributing Factors

Due to the nature of stenosis, age puts you at a greater risk of developing this narrowing within the canal of your spine. But any disorder or disease affecting this region of the body may also lead to stenosis.

Complications

If stenosis is left untreated, not only do you run the risk of an ever-increasing amount of pain, numbness or tingling to the affected area, but you may also suffer from incontinence, and even a total loss of feeling within your extremities.

Prevention/Solution

Medications--such as ibuprofen, aspirin, acetaminophen and steroids--can lessen inflammation within the spinal canal. This is often followed by physical therapy to better strengthen and support the back, thereby decreasing irritation and pain. If these methods fail to provide results, surgery may be necessary to manually reduce the stenosis.

Source:

Mayo Clinic: Spinal Stenosis

Cleveland Clinic: Spinal Stenosis