Spinal stenosis is a condition characterized by an abnormally narrow spinal column, which in turn pinches the spinal cord and associated nerves. Approximately 90% of patients experiencing spinal stenosis are older than 50, and symptoms range from being undetectable to total lower body paralysis, depending on which nerves are affected. A variety of treatments are available however, to help alleviate the stenosis.Spinal stenosis most commonly occurs at the center of the back, the base of the back where nerves branch out from the spinal cord, or nerve branching sites at the openings between the vertebrae. The side effects of the aging process are the most common cause of the condition, but a variety of additional problems can also be at fault.
As the body ages, many structural changes take place. Ligaments harden, bones and joints enlarge, and often bone spurs form; each of these events may stress or pressure the spinal nerves, resulting in impairment of nerve function. Disc degeneration also contributes to the problem. Apart from such physical changes, the development of osteoarthritis and development of rheumatoid arthritis also contribute. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative process in which joint cartilage is slowly lost and bones overgrow to compensate, while rheumatoid arthritis features inflammation and enlargement of the soft tissue in the joints. Both processes, should they occur in the joints of the spine, destabilize the spine and can lead to the characteristic column narrowing.
Furthermore, a tendency towards spinal stenosis can be inherited, or develop as the result of other diseases, such as scoliosis (curving of the spine), which put stress on the spinal column. Bone tumors may also contribute, as resulting bone malformation creates structural deformities of the spinal column. Still less common potential causes include Paget’s Disease (accelerated bone formation and random bone organization) and Flourosis (excessive intake of fluoride resulting in calcification of ligaments and soft bones). Additionally, spinal trauma that induces swelling of the spinal cord or narrowing of the canal may also contribute to the condition’s development.
.jpg)
