Spinal Stenosis

Spinal Stenosis is narrowing of the spinal canal, which surrounds the spinal cord. Spinal Stenosis can be caused by a herniated disc, excessive bone growth, or thickening of ligaments or other tissue in the canal. All three factors may contribute to the development of this condition that most commonly occurs in the lower back in individuals over the age of 50. Symptoms may include pain, numbness, or weakness in the legs, feet, or buttocks. Affected individuals may find that they have to lean over a shopping cart to make it around the grocery store, and that their back and leg pain progressively increases with walking and eases when they stop to rest or sit. Depending on the degree of symptoms, it may be treated with physical therapy, medications, injections, or surgery. If it is resulting in weakness of the arms or legs, or other loss of neurological function such as balance, bowel/bladder control, or sensation in the legs or arms, prompt evaluation by a spine specialist is important because the condition can result in permanent nerve damage in some cases.