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Spinal Stenosis - Introduction

What is it?

Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal – the space within the vertebrae for the nerves. Lumbar Spinal stenosis can be found in the last 5 bones of the lower back, most often at the bottom of the back.

What Causes Lumbar Spinal Stenosis?

Some patients are born with a narrowed spinal canal, but most often spinal stenosis is seen in patients over the age of 50. This is because the “wear and tear” process causes crowding of the spinal canal with overgrowth of the nearby bones (osteophytes), the ligaments thicken, a cyst may occur because of the joint inflammation and a disc may slip (herniate) into this space also. If there is a dynamic component to the narrowing, this is called Spondylolisthesis.

When these conditions occur in the spinal area, they can cause the spinal canal to narrow, creating pressure on the spinal nerve.
The Patient Line website offers information for patients with spinal conditions:
Sciatica, back pain, spinal stenosis, disc herniation, scoliosis and many other spine conditions explained in a clear reliable, and trustworthy way. Not for profit EUROSPINE experts are here to help patients and their families understand what may be worrying them.

EUROSPINE is a society of spine specialists of various disciplines with a large knowledge of spine pathologies. All well-known and accepted treatment modalities for spine pathologies are represented by the members of the society. However, the Society cannot accept any responsibility for the use of the information provided; the user and their health care professionals must retain responsibility for their health care management.
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page last updated on 11.11.2019