Stenosis

Conditions and Treatments

The spine is made up of ring-shaped bones called vertebrae that are strung together like beads along the spinal cord, a bundle of nerves that connect with the brain and control much of our movement. Stenosis occurs when the interior of the vertebrae -- the spinal canal -- is too narrow, squeezing the spinal cord and nerve roots. Stenosis can happen anywhere in the spine but the most common types include:

• Cervical Stenosis in the upper part of the spine in the neck called the cervical spine
• Lumbar Stenosis in the lower part of the spine called the lumbar spine

Although some people are born with this condition, it is more likely to occur in people over the age of 50 as a result of the aging spinal bones, which can produce bone spurs or enlarged joints that protrude into the spinal canal.

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Medical Center.
Last updated May 8, 2007