Navigation
[TITLE]

[MESSAGE]

[BUTTONS]

Popular questions...

Content

Who gets spinal stenosis?

Spinal stenosis can potentially affect anybody, but it is more common in those over 50 years of age.

FAQ Frequently asked questions

What is spinal stenosis?

An abnormal narrowing of the spinal canal.

What are the symptoms of spinal stenosis?

The symptoms of spinal stenosis can vary depending on the severity of the narrowing and the area affected, but may include arm or leg pain, numbness and tingling down the arms or legs, bowel or bladder dysfunction, and foot disorders.

What causes spinal stenosis?

The most common cause of spinal stenosis is arthritis. Other causes may include disc herniation, fractures and underlying conditions such as osteoporosis.

How is spinal stenosis diagnosed?

Diagnosis of spinal stenosis is based on your doctor taking your medical history, carrying out a detailed physical examination and performing imaging tests.

How is spinal stenosis treated?

Non-surgical treatment of spinal stenosis may involve physiotherapy, changing your daily activities to avoid excessive stress on the spine, and medication or corticosteroid injections. If symptoms fail to respond to non-surgical treatment, then surgery is an …

What can be done at home to treat spinal stenosis?

The symptoms of spinal stenosis can be treated at home using pain-relief medications and following a physiotherapy program to restore flexibility and strength.

Can spinal stenosis be prevented?

You can lower your chances of spinal stenosis by maintaining a healthy weight, following a regular exercise program and practicing good posture.

Is spinal stenosis serious?

Spinal stenosis has the potential to cause chronic pain, paralysis and fecal or urinary incontinence, which can have an impact on a person's quality of life.

How common is spinal stenosis?

As it is associated with the normal ageing process, most people over the age of 60 will show some degree of spinal stenosis. However, the likelihood of having symptoms is low.

Related topics

Diseases & conditions

Spondylolisthesis

Spondylolisthesis is caused when one of the vertebrae of the spine shifts out of position. It can cause back pain and stiffness. It is different to a slipped disc, which occurs when a disc in between two vertebrae is damaged.…
Diseases & conditions

Cervical radiculopathy

In cervical radiculopathy, a nerve in your neck (the cervical spine) becomes pinched. This can affect nerves that travel to your arms, shoulder and hands, causing weakness, numbness, pins and needles or pain.…
Diseases & conditions

Growing pains

Growing pains are a form of recurring limb pain experienced by children. Although they can sometimes be severe and at times alarming for children and parents, they do not indicate or cause any permanent damage and usually do not interfere with a child's normal activities. Typically, they go away on their own.…
Diseases & conditions

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

A deep vein thrombosis is the formation of a blood clot within a deep vein, usually in the legs. Numerous factors can increase the risk of a clot forming. The clot may travel to a lung and block its function, which may be life-threatening. Following some advice can help prevent this condition.…
Diseases & conditions

Carpal tunnel syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a condition that causes pain, numbness and tingling in the fingers and hands. It is caused by compression of the median nerve in the wrist. The condition can be made worse by certain physical activities.…
Diseases & conditions

Back pain

Back pain is a common symptom of different underlying conditions such as arthritis and muscular sprains. Most back pain improves with appropriate treatment. However, prevention through good posture and safe lifting is equally important.…

About this article

Author: Dr Idan Ben-Barak PhD, MSc, BSc (Med)
First answered: 11 Jul 2015
Last reviewed: 19 May 2018
Rating: 4.0 out of 5
Votes: 246 (Click smiley face below to rate)
Category: Spondylolisthesis

×

Content goes in here.