[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/03\/spinal-stenosis-causes-treatment\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/03\/spinal-stenosis-causes-treatment\/","headline":"What Is Spinal Stenosis? Causes, Symptoms, and More","name":"What Is Spinal Stenosis? Causes, Symptoms, and More","description":"Your spine is central to good health. With more than 30 interlocking bones (vertebrae), the spine provides the main support for your body, allows you to bend and twist, and protects your spinal cord. When its structure changes, however, you can experience pain, numbness, tingling, and other symptoms \u2014 a condition known as spinal stenosis. […]","datePublished":"2017-03-21","dateModified":"2024-01-04","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/orthopaedics-regions","name":"UPMC Orthopaedic Care","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/orthopaedics-regions","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/orthopaedic-surgery\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/GettyImages-1138353899.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/GettyImages-1138353899.jpg","height":325,"width":754},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/03\/spinal-stenosis-causes-treatment\/","about":["Health Topics A-Z","Orthopaedics","Spine Health"],"wordCount":622,"articleBody":"Your spine is central to good health. With more than 30 interlocking bones (vertebrae), the spine provides the main support for your body, allows you to bend and twist, and protects your spinal cord.When its structure changes, however, you can experience pain, numbness, tingling, and other symptoms \u2014 a condition known as spinal stenosis.A Painful Problem: Causes of Spinal StenosisSpinal stenosis\u00a0occurs when something causes the open spaces in the spinal column to narrow. According to\u00a0Mark Fye, MD, spine surgeon at\u00a0Orthopaedic Specialists \u2013 UPMC, the most common cause of spinal stenosis is the wear and tear caused by osteoarthritis, which can create bone spurs that grow into the spinal canal.Less commonly, spinal stenosis can be caused by thickened ligaments,\u00a0a herniated disc, an injury, or a tumor. Because the odds of developing osteoarthritis increase with age, you\u2019re at higher risk for developing spinal stenosis if you\u2019re older than age 50.Types of Spinal StenosisThe spine consists of bones known as vertebrae, where part of the central nervous system runs directly through from the brain to the rest of the body. Spinal stenosis can occur anywhere along the spine.There are three types of spinal stenosis, each specific to the region of the spine affected:Cervical Spinal Stenosis. This type of spinal stenosis concerns the neck or upper back, specifically the seven vertebrae that form the cervical spine between the skull and the chest.Thoracic Spinal Stenosis. This type of spinal stenosis, though not as typical, concerns the next 12 vertebrae along the middle of the back. Physical actions like rotation or side-to-side movements result from this region of the spine.Lumbar Spinal Stenosis. The lumbar region consists of the next five vertebrae between the rib cage and the pelvis, which supports the body\u2019s weight and allows bending and twisting.Symptoms of Spinal StenosisWhen the space inside the spinal column becomes narrower, it can put pressure on the spinal cord and nearby nerves. This can result in a variety of unpleasant symptoms, depending on which area of the spine is affected. Spinal stenosis symptoms may include:Numbness, weakness, cramping, or pain in the legs or thighs.Numbness or tingling in the arm or hand.Pain that radiates down the leg.Decreased sensation in the feet that makes it difficult to walk.Abnormal bowel or bladder function.Loss of sexual function.Partial or complete paralysis of the legs.A Treatable Condition: Solutions for Spinal StenosisIf you think you have spinal stenosis, you should contact your doctor. They will likely perform a neurological exam to confirm weakness and decreased sensation in your limbs. You may also be given diagnostic tests such as an\u00a0MRI, CT scan, or X-ray.Spinal stenosis is treatable, and most doctors try non-surgical approaches first. These can include:Pain relievers such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (including ibuprofen and naproxen).Antidepressants or anti-seizure drugs, which can help relieve nerve pain.Prescription analgesics such as opioids.Cortisone injections to reduce inflammation and pressure.Physical therapy.If such measures don\u2019t help, your doctor may recommend surgery to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. Surgical procedures used to treat spinal stenosis include:Decompression laminectomy, which removes bony spurs or increased bone mass in the spinal canal, freeing up space for the nerves and spinal cord.Spinal fusion, a technique in which two vertebrae are fused together. This provides stronger support for the spine, and is almost always done after decompression laminectomy.Your doctor can tell you more about these and other treatments for spinal stenosis. To learn more or schedule an appointment, call 1-866-987-6784 or visit our website.Editor's Note: This article was originally published on March 21, 2017, and was last reviewed on November 25, 2021."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2017","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"03","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/\/03\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"What Is Spinal Stenosis? Causes, Symptoms, and More","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/03\/spinal-stenosis-causes-treatment\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]