What happens when you have narrowing of the spinal canal?

Spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spaces in your spine, can compress your spinal cord and nerve roots exiting each vertebrae. Age-related changes in your spine is a common cause. Symptoms include back and/or neck pain, and numbness, tingling and weakness in your arms and legs.

What causes central canal narrowing?

Central canal stenosis typically occurs due to degenerative changes in the spine’s bones, joints, discs, and/or ligaments. Other potential causes of central canal stenosis include trauma, infections, and metabolic conditions that may affect the spine.

Is canal stenosis the same as spinal stenosis?

Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of one or more bony openings (foramina) in the vertebrae of the spine. When spinal stenosis occurs in the spinal canal, it is called central canal stenosis and may cause compression of the spinal cord.

How are nerve root canals related to spinal stenosis?

In a normal vertebra, the spinal canal and the nerve root canals have ample space for passage of the spinal cord and nerves. In spinal stenosis, bone spurs, enlarged facet joints and a bulging disc constrict the nerve root canals causing compression and entrapment of the spinal nerves; also called lateral or foraminal stenosis.

Can a single nerve root cause foraminal narrowing?

A single nerve root on one side of the body is commonly affected by foraminal narrowing; however, there are some patients who may have bilateral foraminal narrowing, also known as bilateral neural stenosis, which occurs due to nerve compression on both the sides of the spine.

When does narrowing of the spinal canal occur?

While it may affect younger patients, due to developmental causes, it is more often a degenerative condition that affects people who are typically age 60 and older. Narrowing of the spinal canal usually occurs slowly, over many years or decades.

What causes nerve root impingement in the spine?

Nerve Root Impingement. Nerve root impingement is due to foraminal stenosis, a form of spinal stenosis, or narrowing of the spine.