NeuroCare Brain & Spine Center

Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the space called the spinal canal within the spine. The spinal canal contains the nerve roots and spinal cord. If, for whatever reason this space becomes smaller, it can compress the nerves and the spinal cord, causing pain and other symptoms. Stenosis can occur anywhere along the spinal canal, but is common in the lumbar region.

Some people are born with narrowed canals, but most often stenosis is a result of aging and "wear and tear" on the spine during everyday activities.

The rate of deterioration varies greatly from person to person, and not everyone will feel symptoms. Symptoms include:

  • Numbness, weakness, cramping, or pain in the legs and thighs
  •  Radiating pain down the leg
  • Abnormal bowel and/or bladder function
  • Decreased sensation in the feet causing difficulty placing the feet when walking
  • Partial or complete weakness of the legs

Spine Pain Treatment Options