What is Spinal Stenosis?

A narrowing of the spinal canal is known as spinal stenosis. This narrowing causes nerve roots within the spinal canal to be pressed, causing significant pain. In fact, in severe cases, the individual can lose function of motor skills. While some people are born with a natural narrowing, most often spinal stenosis affects individuals of 50 or older, simple because of deterioration of the spine. Pain usually affects the buttocks, thigh, and calf, often followed by weakness. In the early stages, most people have no symptoms whatsoever but by the time pain does begin, the problem is relatively bad. To determine if a person has this type of health problem, doctors will do an MRI or CAT scan, which would show any narrowing. Then to determine the level of nerve damage, an electromyography is performed. Mild cases are treated with medication and rest while more serious cases require surgery.