The Wide Spectrum of Spinal Stenosis Causes

There are many different spinal stenosis causes, as there are many different spinal abnormalities that can cause the spaces within the spinal canal to become constricted and narrow. The spinal canal is home to the spinal cord, which is the hub of the central nervous symptom, and 31 pairs of nerve roots that branch off the spinal cord. Spinal conditions can result in swelling or displacement of tissues in the spine, such as an intervertbral disc or a vertebra. If displaced tissues impinge on or irritate the spinal cord or subsidiary nerves branching out from the spinal cord, symptoms of pain, discomfort, stiffness, numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, and muscle spasms can occur. A few of the causes of spinal stenosis are osteoarthritis, a bulging disc, a herniated disc, spondylolisthesis, bone spurs, and even general spinal degeneration as a result of aging.

The Effect of Osteoarthritis on the Spine

The most common of spinal stenosis causes is osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis literally means bone-joint inflammation, and that is precisely what it is. The soft, smooth cartilage that separates and cushions the vertebrae and facet joints in the spine will degenerate over time. As the cartilage wears down, movement for the bones becomes more difficult. Also, in some instances, cartilage may deteriorate so that it allows bone to touch bone. Bone spurs can form as a result, and possibly protrude into the spinal canal where spinal nerves are located.

How Can You Avoid Spinal Stenosis?

There is really no way to avoid spinal stenosis altogether. This is largely due to the fact that, in some cases, natural aging and spinal degeneration can lead to spinal stenosis. However, there are some things you can do that can help to slow the progression of spinal stenosis and other degenerative spinal conditions. Not smoking, eating a nutritious diet, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, keeping good posture, sleeping regularly, and avoiding excessive strenuous physical activity can all help you to maintain a healthy spine and reduce the likelihood of severe spinal stenosis.