Canal stenosis causes include a variety of factors such as age-related spine conditions and injury that can result in the narrowing of the spinal canal. The spinal canal houses and protects the spinal cord and the nerve roots as they travel out to the body. This space, which is naturally limited, can be further restricted by the presence of excess tissue, such as displaced spinal disc material and bone spurs. While not necessarily painful, displaced spinal anatomy can compress the spinal cord or nerve roots and lead to a number of uncomfortable symptoms, including neck and back pain.

How injury causes canal stenosis

A traumatic spinal injury or a repetitive motion injury can sometimes lead to canal stenosis. For example, picking up a heavy object without using proper lifting techniques can damage a spinal disc in some circumstances, causing a bulge or herniation. Spinal damage can also stem from trauma, such as a fall, car accident or sports-related injury. The resulting injury can narrow the central spinal canal and cause debilitating symptoms.

Canal stenosis causes pain and other symptoms

If you’ve been diagnosed with spinal stenosis and you’re experiencing painful symptoms, you are likely to first be recommended the following conservative treatments by your doctor:

• Limited periods of rest
• Pain medications
• Anti-inflammatory drugs
• Physical therapy

Surgery is occasionally recommended to treat canal stenosis, but only as a last resort for patients who experience severe and limiting pain that does not respond to nonsurgical treatments.

Minimally invasive spine surgery

If you’re a candidate for surgery to treat canal stenosis, you might be interested in learning about the minimally invasive spine surgery performed at USA Spine Care. Our outpatient procedures are a safer and effective alternative to traditional open spine surgery,^ offering a streamlined experience with many advantages for our patients. If you’d like more information about our procedures and our dedication to delivering excellent care, please contact us today.

Ask a member of our dedicated team for a free review of your MRI or CT scan* to determine if you are a potential candidate for one of our procedures.