What Is Spinal Stenosis?
Spinal stenosis refers to a narrowing of the spinal canal—the space within the spine that houses the spinal cord and nerve roots. As this space becomes tighter, it can compress nearby nerves, leading to discomfort or neurological symptoms.
This condition is especially common in adults over the age of 50 and is often caused by age-related changes in the spine, such as osteoarthritis or disc degeneration. While spinal stenosis can occur anywhere along the spine, it most frequently affects the lower back (lumbar spine) and neck (cervical spine).
Common Symptoms
Symptoms vary depending on where the narrowing occurs but may include:
Pain, numbness, or tingling in the back, legs, arms, or shoulders
Cramping or weakness in the legs, especially when walking
Relief when sitting or leaning forward (such as over a shopping cart or countertop)
In more severe cases, difficulty with balance, or problems with bladder or bowel control
Many patients notice that walking uphill or standing for long periods brings on symptoms quickly, while bending forward or sitting tends to ease discomfort. This is because flexing the spine creates more room within the spinal canal, reducing pressure on the nerves.
What Causes Spinal Stenosis?
The most common form, known as acquired spinal stenosis, typically develops from gradual changes such as:
Osteoarthritis
and the development of bone spurs (osteophytes)
Thickening or calcification of spinal ligaments
which reduces space around nerves
Bulging or herniated discs
that press into the spinal canal
Degenerative changes in the facet joints
between vertebrae
In some cases, people are born with a smaller-than-average spinal canal—a condition called congenital spinal stenosis—which can lead to symptoms earlier in life.
Who Is at Risk?
You're more likely to develop spinal stenosis if you:
Are over age 50
Are female
Have a history of spinal injury or surgery
Were born with a narrow spinal canal
Other conditions that may lead to or worsen stenosis include:
Osteoarthritis and bone spur formation
Inflammatory spinal conditions
Spinal tumors or trauma
Paget’s disease of bone
Previous spinal surgery
How Is It Treated?
In most cases, spinal stenosis is managed without surgery. Common non-surgical treatments include:
For patients whose stenosis is primarily caused by disc bulges or herniation, DiscHealingSolution® may offer an effective non-surgical option. This therapy supports disc rehydration and encourages healing, especially when spinal narrowing is not yet complicated by excessive bone overgrowth or ligament thickening.
When Is Surgery Needed?
Surgery may be considered if conservative treatments are no longer effective or if the condition is severe. This includes cases where nerve compression causes:
Loss of coordination or balance
Significant weakness
Bladder or bowel dysfunction
One common surgical procedure is lumbar decompression laminectomy, which removes excess bone or thickened tissue to create more space for the nerves. While many patients experience short-term relief from surgery, outcomes can decline over time and carry risks such as:
Bleeding or infection
Blood clots
Dural tears
Nerve injury
Recurrence of symptoms
Every case of spinal stenosis is different, and determining the right treatment requires careful evaluation. If your symptoms are limiting your daily activities, we encourage you to talk to us about your options—including whether you may be a good candidate for DiscHealingSolution®.
Conditions We Treat
Each of the following conditions is a result of one core problem—something we identify and explain clearly during our consultation.
Sciatica
The sciatic nerve forms from multiple spinal nerve roots and travels from your lower back down through your legs. When compressed or inflamed, it causes pain, numbness, or tingling.
Herniated Disc
A disc herniation can result from repetitive stress, poor posture, trauma, or aging. It’s often called a “slipped” or “ruptured” disc and can cause serious, lasting pain.
Bulging Disc
Often used as a general term, a “bulging disc” usually refers to a herniated disc. There are two types: broad-based and focal herniations. We help you understand what’s really happening.
Degenerative Disc Disease
As we age, the discs between our vertebrae lose hydration and elasticity. This process can accelerate with certain jobs, injuries, or genetic factors, leading to chronic discomfort.
Spinal Stenosis
Common in adults over 50, this condition involves the narrowing of the spinal canal, which can compress nerves and lead to various symptoms depending on the location and severity.
Numbness & Tingling
These sensations in the arms, hands, legs, or feet often indicate nerve compression from a damaged disc. Early evaluation is key to preventing further damage.