About Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
Spine with LSS
Normal Spine
Your spine provides support for your back and body. It also protects the spinal cord, the bundle of nerve tissues that runs from your brain to your lower body. The bony channel that encloses the spinal cord is called the spinal canal. Usually, there is enough space between the spinal cord and the spinal canal so that the nerves that flow through and exit the spinal canal are free of obstruction.
As your body ages, however, the ligaments and bones outside the spinal canal may thicken and begin to press on the spinal canal, causing it to narrow. The narrowing of the spinal canal is called spinal stenosis. When that occurs in the lower part of the spine, it is called lumbar spinal stenosis. This narrowing can cause the nerve tissues to become compressed or pinched, resulting in pain, numbness and disability.
For More Information Visit:
American Family Physician
North American Spine Society
