Spinal canal stenosis is a disease that occurs mostly in people over 50 years old, in which the spinal canal narrows. This problem can cause pain and other problems. Your spine is made up of a series of bones (or vertebrae) and intervertebral discs that are stacked one behind the other.. These protect your spinal cord, a key part of the central nervous system that connects the brain to the body.. The space between the vertebrae begins to shrink.. arm or hip. One of the causes of channel narrowing Spinal arthritis is a disease that causes the erosion of the cartilage, the substance between the bones, and problems with bone growth, thickening of the bones, changes in the disc, osteoarthritis can cause.. Bone corrosion... This condition can cause pressure on the spinal cord and its nerves. ### herniated disc If the discs are damaged, they can protrude and put pressure on the spinal cord or nerves... ### Injuries An accident may cause a fracture or infection in a part of the body... ### tumors If a cancerous tumor is in contact with the spinal cord, you may suffer from spinal stenosis... ### Paget's disease Along with this disease, your bones grow abnormally and become brittle.... This causes spinal canal stenosis and nerve problems.... Some people are born with spinal canal stenosis or diseases that can cause it.... For these people, the disease starts to cause problems between the ages of 30 and 50... spinal canal stenosis> Spinal stenosis usually involves the neck or back... Not everyone has symptoms, but if they do, they include stiffness, numbness, and back pain. Other typical symptoms include: ### 1) Sciatica This pain extends to the legs and starts from the waist or hips.... ### 2) Leg drop Leg pain and weakness may cause people to limp.. ### 3) Inability to stand or walk When your body is flat, it causes pressure on the vertebrae, resulting in pain... In severe cases, the nerves controlling the bladder and excretion become weak.... If you have these symptoms, you should see a doctor.... If you have urinary or fecal incontinence, call your doctor immediately... Diagnosis and tests When you see a doctor, he or she will ask you questions about your medical history. After that, he or she will order at least one of the following tests to find out about your condition: ### X-ray This image shows how the shape of your vertebrae has changed... ### MRI Using radio waves, MRI provides a three-dimensional image of your spinal cord. This image can show tumors, glands, and even disc and ligament damage. ### CT scan In CT, three-dimensional images using X-rays...with the help of a contrast material that is injected into your body, soft tissue and bone injuries are shown.. Spinal canal stenosis treatment Your doctor may begin nonsurgical treatments to treat spinal stenosis. These treatments may include: ### Medications Common pain relievers such as aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen can be prescribed as short-term pain relievers.. All of these medications are available in low doses without a prescription.. Other medications include muscle relaxants, anticonvulsants, and other aspects of spinal stenosis, such as nerve damage #muscularwindow.... corticosteroids Your doctor can prescribe injectable steroids such as prednisone... Steroids suppress inflammation... but are rarely prescribed because of side effects... ### Anesthetics They are used carefully and injecting them blocks the nerves and stops the pain... ### Exercise You can improve your flexibility, stretch and balance with regular activities.... Your doctor may refer you to a physical therapist to help... ### Accessories You may be prescribed a back brace, brace or walker to help you move.... ### Surgery This disease may be severe in people... They have difficulty in walking and controlling urine and feces... Doctors may recommend surgery for these people... Procedures like laminectomy and laminoplasty create space between the vertebrae to reduce inflammation... Surgery has its risks... Talk to your doctor to find out how much surgery will help you and how long it will take to heal. Make sure your doctor knows about the treatments you are using... > ### What can you do at home? Some things you can do to help reduce your symptoms include: ### \# Sports A balanced exercise... walk just 30 minutes a day... talk to your doctor about new exercises... ### \# use of cold and heat Heat relaxes muscles... Cold helps heal inflammation... Use one or both on your back... Spa showers can also help... ### \# Practicing good posture Stand up straight, sit on recliners and sleep on medical mattresses... and when you lift something heavy, lift it with your knees, not your back... ### \# Weight Loss When you are overweight, it puts a lot of pressure on your back... **Dr. Majid Kihani, neurologist in Tehran** **To ask the doctor, write your question in the comments section at the bottom of the page.**