Cervical, Thoracic & Lumbar Stenosis

Spinal stenosis refers to narrowing of the spinal canal where the spinal cord and nerves run. Stenosis can occur anywhere in the spine. Although spinal stenosis can be congenital, it is more often seen as people get older and the joints and ligaments in the spine thicken, and discs start to bulge. If the stenosis becomes bad enough, it produces pressure on the nerves and often results in pain. In the cervical spine, neck pain and arm pain is common, but difficulty with hand dexterity and balance can occur. Stenosis in the thoracic spine is less common than in the cervical and lumbar spine, but when it occurs can result in pain in the back and legs and loss of balance. Stenosis in the lumbar spine often results in low back pain and pain and numbness in the legs, especially when standing or walking. Pain management or physical therapy may be helpful, especially for lumbar spine stenosis, but with significant symptoms or pressure on the nerves, surgery may be an option.