Spinal stenosis is unfortunately usually just a symptom of age, especially lumbar stenosis. However, lumbar stenosis can sometimes develop in younger people who suffer a spinal injury, or who have a congenital curvature of the spine. Deterioration of the facet joints in the back of the spine can also contribute to spinal stenosis.   With cervical stenosis, the narrowing of the central canal is also often just a symptom of age, but it can be exacerbated by conditions like osteoarthritis.    Anything that narrows the spinal canal can contribute to spinal stenosis: herniated discs, bone spurs, or swollen ligaments can all be contributing factors.