Definition A narrowing of the lumbar or cervical spinal canal, which causes compression on nerve roots. Causes, Incidence and Risk Factors Spinal stenosis occurs in middle-aged or elderly people. It may be caused by osteoarthritis , Paget's disease , or as a result of injury that causes pressure on the nerve roots. It occurs in 5 out of 10,000 people. An examination of reflexes of lower extremities reveals asymmetry.
Neurologic examination confirms leg weakness and decreased sensation in the legs.
An X-ray of the spine shows degenerative changes and narrowed spinal canal. A spine MRI or spinal CT scan shows spinal stenosis. An EMG may show active and chronic neurological changes. If the nerve roots can be successfully relieved of pressure, the symptoms will not worsen and may even improve. Complications Injury can occur to the legs or feet caused by lack of sensation to that area.