Types of Spinal Stenosis
Cervical Spinal Stenosis
Cervical stenosis occurs when the spinal canal narrows and compresses the spinal cord and is most frequently caused by aging. The discs in the spine that separate and cushion vertebrae may dry out. As a result, the space between the vertebrae shrinks, and the discs lose their ability to act as shock absorbers.
Thoracic Spinal Stenosis
The most common form of spinal stenosis is Foraminal Stenosis. This is the space where the nerve root leaves the canal through a side hole (lateral foramen). This area can be decreased by a bulging or herniated disc, bone spurs cartilage fragment, scar tissue or any other unnatural growth or obstruction that can press on the nerve root. Also known as lateral spinal stenosis.
Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
The most common form of spinal stenosis is Foraminal Stenosis. This is the space where the nerve root leaves the canal through a side hole (lateral foramen). This area can be decreased by a bulging or herniated disc, bone spurs cartilage fragment, scar tissue or any other unnatural growth or obstruction that can press on the nerve root. Also known as lateral spinal stenosis.
Spinal Stenosis of the back
In some cases, the severity of symptoms may not relate to the degree of the narrowing of the spinal canal as seen on imaging tests. You may have very severe symptoms, but tests show relatively little narrowing of the spinal canal. Or you may have mild symptoms, but tests show a significant narrowing of the spinal canal. So treatment is based not only on imaging test results, but also on how bad your symptoms are and how they impact your normal daily activities and quality of life.
Foraminal stenosis
As a nerve root leaves the canal through a side hole called the lateral foramen, a disc herniation, bone spur, cartilage fragment, scar tissue or any other unnatural growth or obstruction can press on the nerve root. This type of stenosis may is called lateral spinal stenosis. This is by far the most common form of spinal stenosis. Over 72% of cases of foraminal stenosis occur at the lowest lumbar level, usually trapping the emerging nerve root of the sciatic nerve.
Spinal Stenosis of the Neck
Explanation about what spinal stenosis on the neck area is about (Cervical) with links to the cervical spinal stenosis page.