Spinal stenosis refers to the narrowing of the spinal canal and is most often caused by the arthritic process in the spine. As the arthritic process occurs, small bone growths (known as osteophytes) begin to compress the spinal cord and cause the symptoms associated with spinal stenosis. Spinal stenosis is most common in those over the age of 40 but can occur in younger patients as a result of years of wear and tear on the joints and discs of the spine.
Even in its early stages, spinal stenosis may compress the spinal cord and cause any or any combination of the following symptoms:
- Lower back pain
- Back pain when standing
- Burning or shooting pain in the buttocks and legs (Sciatica)
- Numbness, weakness or tingling in the buttocks and legs
The cervical (neck) and lumbar (lower back) regions of the spine are those that most frequently experience spinal stenosis, however the majority of cases of spinal stenosis occur in the lumbar spine.
At Olympia Orthopaedic Associates, our Fellowship Trained and Board Certified Spine Specialists are experts in diagnosing and treating spinal stenosis using the most effective treatments customized to your lifestyle and goals,
