The main cause of spinal stenosis is osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is the gradual wear and tear that occurs over time in your joints. Spinal stenosis is quite common as well because osteoarthritis will begin to cause changes in the spine in individuals at age 50 or older. This is why many who develop symptoms of spinal stenosis are 50 or older. Women also have a much higher risk of developing spinal stenosis than men.   Some other conditions and circumstances can also cause spinal stenosis, including:   • Injury to the spine • Spinal tumor • Certain bone diseases • Previous surgery on the spine • Rheumatoid arthritis • Narrow spinal canal