Causes of Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis is a medical condition, found in adults whose ages are greater than 50 years, where the spinal canal begins to narrow down. It could result in a pain and other related issues.

The spine constitutes several connected bones (also called “vertebrae”) that have shock-absorbing properties. It is useful in protecting the spinal cord, a major part of the CNS or Central Nervous system that conjoins the brain. The cord resides in the canal formed by the connected bones.

Most people suffer from this condition due to arthritis. The spinal canal starts narrowing down. As the open spaces start to reduce, the tightness starts pinching the spinal cord and the adjacent nerves. This causes numbness, tingling, and pain near the torso, arms, and legs.

Though there is no cure for spinal stenosis, several non-surgical treatments are opted to deal with the symptoms. Most of the people suffering from spinal stenosis are able to continue with their normal lives.

Causes

The leading cause of this condition is arthritis, a medical condition that results in the breakdown of cartilage as well as the bone tissue.

Osteoarthritis could instigate disc changes, bone spurs, and thickening of the spine ligaments. It could exert extra pressure on the spinal nerves and spinal cord.

Other causes are:

Paget’s disease: Here, the bones start growing abnormally brittle and large. It eventually ends up in narrowing the spinal canal causing nerve problems.

Tumours: When cancerous growths come in contact with the spinal cord, it could result in stenosis.

Injuries: A fracture or accident has the ability to inflame certain part of the spine.

Herniated discs: When the cushions get cracked, material might seep out pressing the spinal nerves and spinal cord.

Some people can be born with the problem or acquire diseases that cause it. In case of such individuals, spinal stenosis may occur between the ages 30 and 50 years.