Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis is a slow process that occurs over many years and is related to arthritis. It is marked by a thickening of the ligaments, the formation of bone spurs, and deterioration of the disc material. As a result, the spinal canal narrows and pinches on nerves. Bone spurs may also press on the spinal cord. In cervical stenosis, the patient may feel neck or arm pain, numbness and weakness in both hands, loss of coordination when walking or during other activities, or muscle spasms in the legs. In the case of lumbar stenosis, the patient often feels lower back pain and leg discomfort.