Spinal Stenosis Causes
Spinal stenosis is characterized by a narrowing of the spinal canal either in the lumbar (lower back) thoracic (mid-back) or cervical (neck) regions of the spine. This narrowing causes compression of the spinal cord or spinal nerve roots and drives the negative symptoms associated with the condition. Stenosis of the spine often leads to chronic neck and back pain causing severe consequences for patients suffering from the condition. Patients who suffer from spinal stenosis can be separated into those who have spinal stenosis hereditary and those who have acquired it over time.
Inherited Spinal Stenosis
Patients who have inherited spinal stenosis are often born with a spinal canal that is narrower than the average person’s, and often experience the negative effects of the condition earlier in life.
Acquired Spinal Stenosis
Most patients seeking spinal stenosis treatment suffer from the acquired version of the condition, as the narrowing of the spinal canal is a natural part of the aging process. Degeneration of the cartilage that provides a cushion for spinal joints exposes the bone to friction and may result in bone spurs. As this bone on bone friction continues, spinal stenosis symptoms become more pronounced and the condition worsens. Degeneration also can lead to bulging discs or herniated discs, which put pressure on the spinal nerves.
In addition to the aging process, spinal stenosis is often induced by trauma to the back or neck that causes damage to the anatomy of the spine.
In general the following may cause compression of the spinal nerve roots or spinal cord and result in spinal stenosis:
- Herniated disc
- Bone spurs
- Bulging disc
- Spondylolisthesis
- Trauma and injuries
All Spinal stenosis causes share the onset of osteoarthritis later in life.
The Bonati Spine Institute has a 30+ year history of developing advanced world class spine surgery techniques to treat chronic back and neck pain caused by spinal stenosis. If you are considering surgical solutions for your pain caused by spinal stenosis, contact us for a consultation with our medical professionals and a complimentary, non-obligation MRI review.
The Bonati Spine Institute encourages patients with spinal stenosis to contact us to request a no-obligation MRI review or discuss your conditions with our medical professionals. Find out why The Bonati Spine Procedures are considered to be among the world’s best solutions when it comes to advanced spine surgery. Your pain from spinal stenosis can become a thing of the past.