Extractions: (advertisement) Synonyms, Key Words, and Related Terms: lumbar stenosis, narrowing of the spinal canal, narrowing of the nerve root canals, narrowing of the intervertebral foramina, spondylosis, degenerative disk disease, cervical spine, lumbar spine, thoracic spine, primary stenosis, congenital stenosis, acquired stenosis, osteophytes, bone spurs, facet hypertrophy, bulging disks, hypertrophy of the ligamentum flavum, canal narrowing, foraminal narrowing, degenerative spondylolisthesis, cauda equina syndrome Spinal stenosis refers to narrowing of the spinal canal, nerve root canals, or intervertebral foramina due to spondylosis and degenerative disk disease. This process usually occurs in the cervical and lumbar spine; it seldom occurs in the thoracic spine. Frequency: Approximately 250,000-500,000 US residents have symptoms of spinal stenosis. This represents about 5 of every 1000 Americans older than 50 years. Current estimates indicate that 70 million Americans are older than 50 years. This number is estimated to grow by 18 million in the next decade alone, suggesting that the prevalence of spinal stenosis will increase. Etiology: Spinal stenosis is part of the aging process, and it is not possible to predict who will be affected. No clear correlation exists between the symptoms of stenosis and race, occupation, sex, or body type. The degenerative process can be managed, but it cannot be prevented by diet, exercise, or lifestyle.
