Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis occurs when the spinal canal - the area where the spinal cord travels through the spine - narrows. It may occur because of aging or degeneration of the bones in the spine. It can cause back and leg pain that comes and goes with activities such as walking.

Stenosis can occur in all areas of the spine, but it is most common in the lumbar spine. Spinal stenosis usually affects people over 60 years of age. However, it can also occur in younger people who have abnormally small spinal canals from birth.