These conditions may be either inherited or acquired. Spinal stenosis is most often caused from degenerative arthritis, a process that causes changes in the spine that leads to narrowing of the spaces in the vertebral canal. Common changes include the formation of bone spurs, calcification of spinal ligaments, thickening of joint tissue due to chronic inflammation, and degeneration of the intervertebral disc. As stated previously, the most common acquired condition that causes spinal stenosis is degenerative arthritis. Other acquired conditions that may lead to spinal stenosis include rheumatoid arthritis, tumors, Paget's Disease, and traumatic damage to the vertebral column.
Spinal stenosis can cause a wide variety of symptoms throughout the body.
The most common symptoms are generalized pain, weakness, and numbness in the affected region. Other symptoms may occur as a result of spinal stenosis, and a few are treated specifically. This may be a sign of so-called 'cauda equina syndrome,' a serious condition of compression of the nerve roots in the lower end of the spinal canal. This may require immediate surgery to decompress an area of the spine that is seriously affected by the stenosis. Jonathan Cluett, M.D. About Orthopedics Human Guides.