
Spinal stenosis happens when the space inside the backbone is too small. This can put pressure on the spinal cord and the nerves that travel through the spine. Spinal stenosis occurs most often in the neck, called cervical spinal stenosis, and in the lower back, called lumbar spinal stenosis.
The most common cause of spinal stenosis is wear-and-tear changes in the spine related to arthritis. Most people with spinal stenosis are over 50. Younger people may be at higher risk of spinal stenosis if they have scoliosis or other spinal problems.
Spinal stenosis often causes no symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they start slowly and get worse over time. Symptoms depend on which part of the spine is affected.
Spinal stenosis in the neck can cause:
Spinal stenosis in the lower back can cause:
Treatment for spinal stenosis depends which part of the spine is affected and the severity of your symptoms.
Nonsurgical treatment can include:
Surgeries to create more space within the spinal canal may include:
Connect with others talking about treatment options for spinal stenosis and living well in the Spine Health support group on Mayo Clinic Connect, an online patient community moderated by Mayo Clinic.
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