What Is Spinal Stenosis?
Spinal Stenosis is a narrowing of the spaces within the spine that can reduce room for the spinal cord or nerve roots. The narrowing may develop in the neck or lower back and can relate to changes in discs, joints, or bone. Symptoms may include pain, numbness, weakness, or discomfort with standing and walking.
Quick Facts About Spinal Stenosis
Category
Spinal condition
Used for
Describing reduced space around spinal nerves
Common confusion
Not identical to a herniated disc
Also called
Narrowing of the spinal canal, Spinal canal narrowing
Often discussed with
Spinal Decompression Therapy
Key Takeaways About Spinal Stenosis
- Narrowing may occur in the neck or lower back.
- Symptoms depend on which nerves have less available space.
- Spinal stenosis is not the same as a herniated disc.
How Spinal Stenosis Works
Spinal stenosis occurs when the passageways within the spine become narrower. The reduced space may involve the spinal canal or the openings where nerve roots leave the spine. Changes in the vertebral discs, facet joints, or nearby bone can contribute to that narrowing.
Related glossary terms: Lumbar Spine, Cervical Spine, Nerve Root.
The location helps shape the symptoms. Narrowing in the lumbar spine may affect the legs or lower back, while narrowing in the cervical spine may affect the neck, shoulders, arms, or hands. Spinal decompression therapy uses controlled traction to create a pulling force through the spine. A clinician considers the person’s symptoms and examination findings when deciding whether this approach fits the care plan.
From the Arrowhead Clinic Chiropractor team
When we assess spinal stenosis, we review the symptom pattern, spinal region, movement limits, and relevant health history. We use those findings to decide whether spinal decompression therapy is appropriate and whether additional evaluation is needed.
Spinal Stenosis in Practice: A Real-World Example
A person with lumbar spinal stenosis may feel lower-back discomfort and leg symptoms after standing or walking. Spinal decompression therapy may be considered after an examination identifies a pattern that fits the service.
Related Services
Related Terms
Lumbar Spine
The lumbar spine is the lower section of the vertebral column between the thoracic spine and…
Cervical Spine
Cervical Spine is the upper section of the vertebral column that supports the head and connects…
Nerve Root
Nerve Root is a bundle of nerve fibers that branches from the spinal cord through an…
Vertebral Disc
A vertebral disc is a flexible structure between neighboring spinal bones that cushions movement and helps…
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