Spinal stenosis in the lower back and neck is an abnormal constricting, or narrowing, of the spinal canal or of the openings that allow nerve roots to exit the spinal column. Although stenosis can occur at the thoracic (middle back) level, it is far more common in the lumbar (lower back) and cervical (neck) levels. This is due to the relative flexibility of these regions, as well as the fact that the neck and lower back support a great deal of weight (the skull and the upper body, respectively). This combination of flexibility and weight places excess stress on these regions, exacerbating the natural deterioration that occurs as we age.

The Underlying Causes of Spinal Stenosis

In addition to normal wear and tear, spinal narrowing can occur as a result of traumatic injury or degenerative spine conditions such as osteoarthritis and degenerative disc disease (DDD). A spine injury that forces the vertebrae and surrounding soft tissue out of place will, of course, reduce the space normally available for the spinal cord and nerve roots. Osteoarthritis and DDD, on the other hand, take much longer to rob the spinal cord and nerve roots of their allotted space.

In cases of osteoarthritis, the deterioration of cartilage that lines the vertebral joints can deprive the associated vertebral segment of stability. One way the body can respond is to produce bone spurs, or osteophytes, which are smooth, bony protrusions that form along the edges of existing bone.

DDD, which is the deterioration of the spongy intervertebral discs, robs the discs of water content and height. This diminishes the ability of the discs to serve their function as cushions between the vertebrae, which also can lead to the development of bone spurs. Other byproducts of DDD are bulging discs and herniated discs, which can infringe on the spinal canal or intervertebral foramina.

Either osteoarthritis or DDD can lead to another underlying cause of spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis (vertebral slippage). This slippage of one vertebra over another can also be the result of a genetic abnormality or traumatic injury.

How Spinal Stenosis Causes Symptoms

A constriction of the spinal channels does not necessarily cause symptoms. In fact, many people may have one or more of the previously mentioned degenerative spine conditions and not know it. Spinal stenosis in the lower back or neck generally becomes a major medical concern only when the narrowing of the spinal canal (where the spinal cord resides) or intervertebral foramina (where nerve roots pass) lead to compression of the spinal cord or nearby nerve roots.

Compression of the spinal cord in the neck and/or lower back can cause a condition known as myelopathy. This can cause pain and a reduction in fine motor skills when it occurs in the cervical region, and an inability to walk at a normal pace when it is found in the lumbar region.

Compression of the nerve roots can produce localized pain, pain that radiates the length of the nerve, tingling or numbness in an area of the body innervated by the affected nerve, or muscle weakness. This is referred to generally as radiculopathy and is known as sciatica when the large sciatic nerve that originates in the lower back is involved. Sciatica affects the lower back, buttocks, legs, feet, and toes. Compression in the cervical region affects the upper back, head, neck, arms, hands, and fingers.

Patients who experience chronic symptoms such as these should speak with a doctor or spine specialist to determine whether spinal stenosis is present in the back or neck.

Author Bio: Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute specializes in safe and effective outpatient procedures for spinal stenosis and several other spinal conditions.

Category: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: Spinal Stenosis