Spinal stenosis is often the result of the aging process, which over time causes the soft tissues and bones in the spine to harden or grow excessively.

Cervical spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the spinal canal in the neck. The spinal canal is the open area in the bones (vertebrae) that make up the spinal column.

This information will help you understand your choices, whether you share in the decision - making process or rely on your health professionals recommendation.Key points in making your decisionSpinal stenosis usually starts gradually and develops over a long p

Spinal stenosis is narrowing of the spinal canal that occurs when excessive growth of bone and/or tissue reduces the size of the openings in the spinal bones.

Tools to help you make decisions about spinal stenosis.

The most common cause of lumbar spinal stenosis is age-related changes of the spine. These changes include thickening of soft tissues and a gradual deterioration of spinal discs and joints that connect the spines vertebrae.

Many people older than age 50 have some narrowing of the spinal canal (spinal stenosis) but do not experience symptoms.

Spinal stenosis usually starts gradually and develops over a long period of time. Narrowing of the spinal canal can squeeze and irritate the nerve roots that branch out from the spinal cord, or it can squeeze and irritate the spinal cord itself.

The risk of having lumbar spinal stenosis increases if you are older than age 50, have a history of spinal injury, or have osteoarthritis (spondylosis) of the spine.

Call 911 or other emergency services immediately if a fall or injury -- even a mild one -- has caused numbness or weakness in one or both arms, or one or both legs, or low back pain is accompanied by an inability to move the legs (paralysis), confusion, o

Lumbar spinal stenosis can usually be diagnosed based on your history of symptoms, a physical examination, and imaging tests. Imaging tests that may be used to evaluate the condition of the spine include: Computed tomography (CT) scan of the spine, which

Lumbar spinal stenosis is narrowing of the spinal canal that usually starts gradually and develops over a long period of time.

Lumbar spinal stenosis is most commonly caused by age-related changes of the spine, which can squeeze the spinal cord or its nerve roots. Some of these changes cannot be prevented.

Lumbar spinal stenosis is narrowing of the spinal canal that usually starts gradually and develops over a long period of time. This narrowing can squeeze and irritate the nerve roots that branch out from the spinal cord, or it can squeeze and irritate the

Treatment for lumbar spinal stenosis is done to relieve pain, numbness, and weakness in the legs and improve your ability to function and your quality of life.

Surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis is done to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or the nerve roots. During surgery, damaged parts of your spine are removed or adjusted. When successful, surgery enlarges the spinal canal and relieves pressure on the nerv

Physical therapy is an important part of nonsurgical and postsurgical treatment for spinal stenosis. Physical therapy can reduce pain, improve function, and build muscle strength.

A list of resources for information on and treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis.

Information on conditions related to lumbar spinal stenosis.

A list of sources for the informaiton used in this article on lumbar spinal stenosis.