The term stenosis refers to the abnormal contraction of a channel found in the body.
As such, spinal stenosis means that there's a narrowing found in the bone channel where the spinal cord and spinal nerves are located.
Most patients who suffer from spinal stenosis do acquire the condition from natural aging.
However, it can suddenly appear because of a physical trauma like a car accident.
Pain coming from a spinal stenosis often comes from a ruptured bone fragment or disc that's trying to or is currently invading the space of the spinal canal. It's because there's unwanted pressure generated by the cord or nerves.