Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the spinal column, which can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. According to the provided reference, it's essentially a narrowing of the spinal canal or the openings (neural foramina) where spinal nerves exit.
Understanding Spinal Stenosis
Here's a breakdown of the key aspects:
- Narrowing: The space within the spinal column decreases.
- Compression: This narrowing can compress the spinal cord or the nerves.
- Location: It can occur in the main spinal canal or at the neural foramina.
How Spinal Stenosis Develops
As we age, changes occur within our spines that can lead to stenosis:
- Disc Degeneration: Discs between the vertebrae can dry out and shrink, reducing space.
Consequences of Spinal Stenosis
The pressure on the spinal cord or nerves can result in various symptoms, including:
- Pain
- Numbness
- Weakness
These symptoms can affect different parts of the body depending on the location of the stenosis.
