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Causes of Spinal Stenosis

A number of factors cause spinal stenosis. There are two primary kinds of spinal stenosis: congenital and acquired.

Congenital and Acquired Spinal Stenosis

• Congenital: Congenital spinal stenosis is a birth defect.
• Acquired: Acquired spinal stenosis develops after birth.

Acquired spinal stenosis can be a consequence of tissue destruction (degeneration), auto-immune disease, or trauma.

Acquired spinal stenosis usually begins with degeneration of the intervertebral discs, or the surfaces of the vertebrae or both. As the intervertebral discs degenerate, they may bulge or herniate, causing a narrowing of the canals through which the spinal cord and spinal nerve roots travel.

Acquired Spinal Stenosis and Age

Most often, spinal stenosis is acquired by patients ages 50 and older. Causes include:

• Wear and tear: the gradual result of aging and “wear and tear” on the spine during everyday activities. There may be a genetic predisposition to these advanced symptomatic changes.


• Calcification and osteophytes: As people age, the ligaments of the spine can thicken and harden (called calcification). Bones and joints may also enlarge, and bone spurs (called osteophytes) may form. Bulging or herniated discs are also common.


• Spondylolisthesis: the slipping of one vertebra onto another leads to compression. When this occurs in the spinal area, it causes the spinal canal to narrow, creating pressure on the spinal nerves.

Other Causes of Spinal Stenosis

• Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis: an overgrowth of bone tissue
• Paget’s Disease: destruction of bone tissue

Learn more about spinal stenosis:
Home
Definitions of Spinal Stenosis
Diagnosis of Spinal Stenosis
Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis
Treatment for Spinal Stenosis

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The Bonati Spine Institute advocates spinal stenosis patients to be well informed. We encourage you to contact us to request more information, a no-obligation MRI review or a personal telephone consultation. Find out why The Bonati Procedures are considered to be among the world’s best solutions for laser spine surgery.