Spinal stenosis is a medical condition characterized by the narrowing of the spinal canal, which houses the neural elements traveling along the spinal column. This narrowing can compress the spinal cord and nerve roots, leading to various symptoms that impact daily life.
Key Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis:
It’s worth noting that some individuals may experience a narrowing of the spinal canal without exhibiting any overt symptoms.
Common Types of Spinal Stenosis:
Causes of Spinal Stenosis:
The primary cause of spinal stenosis is degenerative changes due to aging. Over time, natural wear and tear can lead to bulging discs, arthritic joints, and thickened ligaments. All these changes can protrude into the spinal canal, reducing the space available for the spinal cord and nerve roots. This results in what is known as acquired spinal stenosis. It’s most common in individuals over 50, but younger people with a congenitally narrow spinal canal may also experience symptoms.
There are specific regions where spinal stenosis is more prevalent, including the lower back (lumbar region) and the neck (cervical region). When the narrowing happens in the neck, it’s termed as cervical spinal stenosis, while in the lower back, it’s referred to as lumbar spinal stenosis.
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