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Cause of Spinal Stenosis

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When reviewing statistics, we find that the age bracket most commonly affected by spinal stenosis in men and women is over fifty years of age.  Although age is the main criteria when considering a natural occurrence of spinal stenosis, a younger person may be afflicted with spinal stenosis because they were either born with a narrowing of the spinal canal, or they have suffered from a traumatic injury to the spine.

Anatomy of the Spine

The human spine consists of twenty six bones that form a line or column spanning from the base of the skull to the pelvis.  Of these bones, twenty four are classed as vertebra.  Between each of these vertebra is a spinal disc that acts as a shock absorber and adds flexibility to the human spine.

Below is a closer examination of the vertebra in your spine:

• Seven cervical vertebras.
• Twelve thoracic vertebras.
• Five lumbar vertebras.
• Five fused vertebra that make up the sacrum, spanning between the hip bones.
• Three to five fused bones make up the coccyx located at the vertebral columns lower tip.

Cause of spinal stenosis

Spinal stenosis often occurs as a result of natural spinal degeneration incurred with our natural aging process. Although spinal degeneration is the leading cause, spinal stenosis may also be caused by a herniated disc, osteoporosis or a tumor.

If the spinal canal is not affected by spinal stenosis, there is adequate room for the spinal cord and the cauda equina.  In some people, there is a curvature of the spine present, know as scoliosis, which applies pressure on nerves and soft tissue, as well as compressing or stretching the ligaments.

We have already taken a quick look at some of the causes of spinal stenosis, here is a more detailed list of each cause.

• Aging - as the body ages, its ligaments begin to thicken. Small growths known as bone spurs may begin to develop protruding into the spinal canal.  The chemical compound of spinal discs may begin to change, starting the process of disc degeneration.  The facets joints which allow for nerves to exit may begin to break down as well.  The above list all equates to the same problem; a restriction of space or narrowing of the spinal canal.
• Spondylolisthesis - This condition occurs when one of the vertebra moves forward onto another, narrowing the amount of space in the spinal canal.
• Spinal tumor - an abnormal growth that causes inflammation or protrudes directly into the spinal canal which is generally comprised of soft tissue.
• Arthritis - Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid are the two main forms of arthritis that can affect the spine assisting in the development of spinal stenosis.
• Heredity - A small spinal canal can be passed on by the parents allowing for spinal stenosis to be present in a younger person.  Narrowing of the spinal canal may also be caused by deformation of the vertebral structure.
• Traumatic spinal injury - In some accidents or injuries affecting the spine, including dislocation or fractures, fragments may become present in the spinal canal causing a reduction of space assisting in the development of spinal stenosis.

Prevention through exercise - Exercise to strengthen the core muscle of the back will help to prevent and slow down wear and tear (degeneration) of the spine.  We already know that degeneration of the spine leads to spinal stenosis.  You can find more detailed information and a list of helpful exercises here.