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What Are the Causes of Lumbar Stenosis?

The spinal cord occupies the hollow space in the vertebrae called the spinal canal. When this space becomes narrowed in the lower back, causing pain and pressure on nerves, the condition is lumbar stenosis.

  1. Causes

    • According to the Chicago Institute of Neurosurgery and Neuroresearch, causes of lumbar stenosis include enlargement of the joints that connect adjacent vertebrae (facet joints), enlargement of the ligament that connects adjacent vertebrae (ligamentum flavum), protruded disc and slippage of one vertebral body in relation to another (spondylolisthesis).

    Arthritis

    • According to the University of Michigan Health System, the most common reason for the changes that cause lumbar stenosis is degenerative arthritis. The arthritis causes the spinal joints and ligaments to become larger, making the area for the spinal cord smaller.

    Other Causes

    • Lumbar stenosis can also be congenital or caused by a tumor or mass.

    Prevention

    • According to the Chicago Institute of Neurosurgery and Neuroresearch, most of the changes that cause lumbar stenosis are due to use and aging and are hard to prevent. The University of Michigan Health System does recommend weight control and lower back strengthening exercises to keep the muscles strong and remove some of the pressure from the joints in your back.

    Prevalence

    • According to the University of Michigan Health System, lumbar stenosis is one of the most common spinal conditions.

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