Spinal stenosis

Spinal stenosis usually affects people over age 60 and is often caused by age-related wear and tear of the spine. But it can also happen in younger people born with abnormally small spinal canals.

If the spinal canal narrows, it puts pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. This can lead to irritation and swelling. Stenosis can happen anywhere in the spine, but it is most common in the lower spine.

Some problems with the spine can cause stenosis, such as:

• Infection
• Tumors
• Trauma
• Herniated discs
• Arthritis (swelling in the joints or the place where two bones meet)
• Thickening of ligaments
• Bone spurs

The symptoms of spinal stenosis are caused by nerve roots getting squeezed. This squeezing upsets the normal signals traveling from the brain to the body. Symptoms often disappear with rest. Standing or walking puts pressure on the nerves and can cause irritation.

The main symptoms of spinal stenosis are felt in the legs and include:

• Heaviness
• Weakness
• Pain with walking or standing for a long time
• Numbness
• Tingling

Spinal stenosis leads to changes in the spine, including:

• Thickened ligaments
• Bone spurs
• Enlarged bones in the spine
• Bulging discs 

Spinal nerves need blood flow for movement. If the spinal canal is narrow, there is not enough room for blood flow. This can cause pain and weakness because the nerves can't get the oxygen they need. 

For some people with spinal stenosis, simply bending over can help with symptoms. Bending makes the spinal canal larger and gives more space for blood to flow to the spinal nerves. 

Some people have a narrow spinal canal when they're born. This doesn't mean they will have stenosis symptoms automatically. But if the spinal canal is too narrow, it can lead to pressure on the spinal nerves.