Your spine consists of a column of 24 bones called vertebrae that extend from your skull down to your hips. Between the vertebrae are discs of soft tissue. The vertebrae join together like links in a chain, providing support for your head and body while the discs act as cushions, or “shock absorbers.” In addition to providing support, the spine encloses and protects a cylinder of nerve tissues called the spinal cord. The spinal cord is surrounded by a bony channel called the spinal canal.

Normally there is space between the spinal cord and the borders of the spinal canal so that the nerves are free and are not pinched.

As we age the ligaments and bone that surround the spinal canal can thicken. This thickening results in narrowing of the spinal canal, which is called “spinal stenosis.” The spinal cord and nerve fibers that exit the spinal canal (nerve roots) become crowded and pinched due to this narrowing. This results in pain and numbness in the back and legs.

What is Spinal Stenosis?

Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal. Some patients are born with this narrowing, but most often spinal stenosis is the result of a degenerative condition that develops in people over the age of 50. Spinal stenosis is the gradual result of aging and “wear and tear” on the spine from everyday activities.

Degenerative or age-related changes in our bodies can lead to compression of nerves (pressure on the nerves that may cause pain and/or damage).

As we age:

	the ligaments of the spine can thicken and calcify (harden from deposits of calcium)
	bones and joints may also enlarge
	bone spurs, called osteophytes, may form
	discs may collapse and bulge (or herniate)
	one vertebra may slip over another (called spondylolisthesis)

Anatomy of the Spine

Symptoms of Lumbar
Spinal Stenosis

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Preoperative Considerations

Possible Complications

Postoperative Care

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Clinical Study Results

Glossary