1-

• Contact Laser Spine Institute
• Request MRI Review
• Medical Spine Seminar

You are here

• Home
• »
• Spine Conditions
• »
• Canal Stenosis
• »
• Canal Stenosis Overview
• »
• Canal Stenosis Definition

Canal Stenosis – Definition, Causes and Treatments

Understanding canal stenosis and its definition, symptoms and treatments can be a complex task. Any number of ailments affecting the neck and back can cause this condition – and treatment can vary from condition to condition and from patient to patient. Those who experience the symptoms outlined on this page should speak with their doctor to confirm a diagnosis of canal stenosis.

Definition

The word “stenosis” originates in the Greek language and means “narrowing or constricting space.” Canal stenosis, therefore, is a narrowing of the spinal canal, which is made up of the vertebrae, intervertebral discs, ligaments, nerve roots, and spinal cord. The anatomical elements in the spine can englarge or shift out of place, taking up valuable real estate in the spinal column and causing patients to experience the symptoms associated with spinal stenosis.

Causes

Canal stenosis can be caused by a number of conditions, many occurring as a result of the natural aging process. As we age, our bodies undergo a great deal of change in order to adapt to years of wear. The neck and back are especially susceptible to change over time since they are responsible for bearing the brunt of a person’s weight and can begin to collapse under constant pressure. The following age-related conditions can cause the anatomical elements of the spine to shift out of place or become inflamed:

• Bone spurs
• Bulging discs
• Degenerative disc disease
• Herniated discs
• Osteoarthritis
• Spondylolisthesis

Click Here to see how you can get your life back in 5 days

It is important to note that other conditions, including tumors, can cause canal stenosis. Any patient who experiences fevers, partial paralysis or difficulty with bladder control should seek immediate medical attention.

Treatments

Some patients can be treated for canal stenosis with non-surgical therapies such as corticosteroid injections, bed rest and medications. If these conservative treatments prove ineffective, surgery may be necessary. The surgeons at Laser Spine Institute can treat many cases of canal stenosis using minimally invasive endoscopic procedures. Contact Laser Spine Institute for more information about these procedures or to learn more about canal stenosis and its definition, causes and treatments.

Please note: Laser Spine Institute currently does not perform endoscopic procedures on the thoracic spine.