How does spinal stenosis develop?

Congenital spinal stenosis

Congenital spinal stenosis along the entire spinal column is caused by the bony connective bridges (pedicles) between the vertebral body and vertebral joint being "too short".

Acquired spinal stenosis in the lumbar spine

Left: normal, wide spinal canal; right: significant narrowing of the spinal canal

Acquired lumbar spinal stenosis is caused by wear and tear in the disc in old age. This disc degeneration also causes joints to thicken and the ligamentum flavum (a type of ligament in the spine) to protrude into the spinal canal.

Acquired spinal stenosis in the cervical spine

Acquired cervical spinal stenosis is also caused by wear and tear in the disc. The disc degeneration also causes temporary instability in the cervical spine. Bone spurs grow from the end plates of the vertebral bodies as a reaction to this, forming a bridge over the disc and stabilising the cervical spine. Unfortunately, these bony spurs also extend into the spinal canal and place pressure on the spinal cord or the nerve roots exiting it.

What are the symptoms?

Degenerative spinal stenosis in the lumbar spine

Frequent rests are a sign of spinal stenosis

A typical symptom of degenerative spinal stenosis in the lumbar spine is not being able to walk as far. Patients report that they have to rest more often due to heavy, painful or numb legs. The spinal canal becomes wider when bending forwards. Patients therefore tend to bend forwards when walking or support themselves on shopping trolleys. In most cases, the ability to ride a bike is not affected as people usually lean slightly forwards when cycling.

Spinal stenosis in the cervical spine

Writing also becomes increasingly difficult when you suffer from spinal stenosis

Spinal stenosis in the cervical spine is associated with the following symptoms: Increasing clumsiness in the hands. It becomes more difficult to button up shirts, thread a needle, count coins, or hold onto matches. The patient´s handwriting suffers. Objects fall out of the hands when the disease is at an advanced stage. Patients also feel more unsteady when walking and walk with their legs wide apart. They say that their legs "feel like wood or cement".