Is spinal stenosis hereditary?

Certain conditions that can lead to spinal stenosis are hereditary, but more research is needed to understand the connection between genetics and spinal stenosis.

Can spinal stenosis be cured?

No, spinal stenosis cannot technically be cured. However, many treatments—including surgery when conservative measures fail—can relieve symptoms and improve quality of life.

Can smoking cause spinal stenosis?

Yes. Smoking can increase the risk of spinal stenosis by reducing blood flow, weakening spinal discs, causing bone loss, and increasing inflammation—all of which can contribute to back problems over time.

Can spinal stenosis cause neuropathy?

Yes. When the spine narrows, it can press on nerves and lead to neuropathy symptoms such as numbness, tingling, pain, weakness, and balance problems. Talk to your healthcare provider for evaluation and treatment.

Can spinal stenosis cause hip pain?

Yes. Nerve compression from spinal stenosis can cause pain that radiates to the hips, often in the buttocks or back of the hip—sometimes called hip–spine syndrome.

How long does spinal stenosis last?

Spinal stenosis is typically a long-term condition that does not go away on its own. Symptoms may persist or worsen slowly over time, but treatments can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

Is walking good for spinal stenosis?

Yes. Walking can help by improving circulation and muscle strength. Listen to your body, take breaks if needed, and ask your doctor about the best routine for you.

Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis symptoms

For most people, spinal stenosis symptoms develop slowly over time, and some may not experience any symptoms at all.

The symptoms you feel depend on where the narrowing occurs in your spine. If the narrowing is in the lower back, symptoms may include:

Lower back pain
A burning or aching pain that travels down the buttocks and legs, often getting worse when standing or walking and improving when leaning forward
Numbness, tingling or cramping in the legs and feet, which may be more noticeable when standing or walking
Weakness in the legs and feet

If the narrowing occurs in the neck, symptoms can include:

Neck pain
Numbness or tingling that moves down the arms into the hands
Weakness in the hand, arm or fingers

Symptoms may worsen when standing, walking or extending the lower back, but they can improve with sitting or bending the lower back or neck, as this position “opens up” the spinal canal, creating more space for the nerves.

In more severe cases of spinal stenosis, you may also experience problems with:

Urinary incontinence
Fecal incontinence
Problems with sexual function

What causes spinal stenosis?

Spinal stenosis happens when the spaces in your spine narrow, putting pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. Normally, the spinal canal provides enough space for the spinal cord and the nerves that branch off it. However, several factors can contribute to the narrowing of this space, including aging, injury and other health conditions.

Aging and age-related changes

As we age, natural changes in the spine can lead to spinal stenosis. These changes occur gradually over time and are the most common causes of the condition.

Thickening of ligaments: The ligaments that hold the vertebrae (bones) of the spine in place can become thicker and harder with age. This can reduce the space available for the spinal cord and nerves.
Bone growth: As bones and joints age, they may enlarge, and bone spurs (also called osteophytes) can develop. These spurs can press on the nerves or spinal cord, narrowing the spinal canal.
Herniated discs: Discs are cushion-like pads between the vertebrae. As we age, these discs can dry out and crack, causing them to bulge and put pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots.
Facet joint changes: The facet joints in the back of the spine help with movement. When the spine becomes unstable, the capsules around these joints thicken, leading to bone spurs that can decrease the space around the nerves, contributing to stenosis.
Spondylolisthesis: This occurs when one vertebra slips out of place over another, causing misalignment of the spine and pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.

Arthritis

Arthritis is another common cause of spinal stenosis, especially osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Osteoarthritis: This is the most common type of arthritis, especially in older adults. It causes the breakdown of cartilage in joints and can lead to bone growth, narrowing the spinal canal and nerve root passages.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA): RA is an autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation in the joints. While it's less common for RA to lead to spinal stenosis, it can cause significant damage to the spine's joints, leading to narrowing and pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.

Inherited conditions

Some people are born with conditions that can lead to spinal stenosis, as the spinal canal may already be narrow at birth. These include:

Congenital stenosis: This is a condition where a person is born with a naturally narrow spinal canal, making them more prone to spinal stenosis later in life.
Scoliosis: Scoliosis is a curvature of the spine that can lead to narrowing of the spinal canal.

Other conditions

Several other conditions can also contribute to spinal stenosis:

Spinal tumors: Tumors in the spine can grow into the spinal canal, causing inflammation or pressure that narrows the space and affects the spinal cord and nerves.
Fractures: Spinal fractures, whether from trauma or conditions like osteoporosis, can lead to misalignment of the spine or create bone fragments that enter the spinal canal.
Paget's disease of bone: This condition causes bones to grow larger and weaker than normal. As it progresses, new bone forms too quickly, causing misshapen, weak bones that can change the structure of the spinal canal and lead to stenosis.
Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament: This condition occurs when calcium deposits build up on the ligament running along the back of the spine. Over time, these deposits turn the ligament into bone, which can compress the spinal cord and nerves.

How is spinal stenosis diagnosed?

To diagnose spinal stenosis, your doctor will start by discussing your symptoms and reviewing your medical history. They’ll also perform a physical exam to assess your spine, movement and nerve function. To get a better view of your spine, your doctor may recommend imaging tests, which help confirm if spinal stenosis is the cause of your symptoms and guide the development of the best treatment plan for you.

Medical history and exam

Your doctor may ask questions about your personal and family medical history. They will also ask questions about your symptoms, such as where your pain is and how long you have been in pain.

Next, your doctor will do a physical exam to see if you have limits on movement and test your balance and neurological function. The exam includes testing muscle strength, reflexes and sensation in your legs. Your doctor may also ask you to walk, bend in different directions and lift and bend your legs. They may touch your legs in various places with a cotton swab or pin to check your nerve function.
Imaging tests
Your doctor will likely order imaging tests to get pictures of your spine. Imaging tests that can help diagnose spinal stenosis include:
- X-ray: While X-rays do not show soft tissues like nerves or discs, they can reveal changes in the bones of your spine, such as bone spurs or degenerative changes that may be contributing to the narrowing of the spinal canal.
- Computerized tomography (CT scan): A CT scan may be used if more detailed images of the bones are needed, especially if X-rays do not provide enough information.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI scan): An MRI provides detailed images of soft tissues, including the spinal cord, nerve roots and intervertebral discs. It helps identify the location and severity of the narrowing and can also show any disc herniations or other abnormalities pressing on the nerves.

Spinal stenosis treatment

There are several treatment options for spinal stenosis, and the best approach depends on the cause, location and severity of your symptoms. If your symptoms are mild, your healthcare provider may start with at-home care options. If these methods don’t provide relief or if your symptoms worsen, your provider may suggest physical therapy, medications or injections. In more severe cases, surgery may be recommended if other treatments are not effective in relieving your discomfort and improving function.

Lifestyle changes and home treatments

Making some changes at home and adopting healthy habits can help you manage the symptoms of spinal stenosis and feel more comfortable. Here are some simple treatments you can try:

Heat and cold therapy: Heat can help relax your muscles and ease joint pain, especially for osteoarthritis. It improves blood flow and can help with stiffness. Just be careful not to use heat that’s too hot to avoid burns.

If heat isn’t helping, ice might be a better option. You can use an ice pack, frozen gel pack or even a bag of frozen peas. Apply it for 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off to help reduce swelling and inflammation.
Exercise: Talk to your doctor before starting, but regular exercise can be helpful. It can reduce pain, strengthen muscles that support your spine and improve flexibility and balance to prevent further discomfort.
Weight loss: Losing weight or maintaining a healthy weight can help keep pressure off your spine. In addition, using a walker or other assistive device if you have trouble walking can help you remain stable.

Medication

Your doctor may recommend over-the-counter or prescription medications that can help control symptoms. Spinal stenosis medication might include:

Anti-inflammatory medicines: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen sodium can relieve inflammation that causes pain in the spine.
Epidural spinal injections: Doctors inject medicine directly into the space surrounding your spinal cord or nerves to help relieve symptoms.
Pain relievers: Over-the-counter medicines or prescription pain relievers can help control back and neck pain. Some can be applied directly to the skin.
Neuromodulatory medications: Medicines such as gabapentin or pregabalin are useful in treating the symptoms of sciatica (medically known as radiculopathy) that results from spinal stenosis.

Physical therapy and bracing

Physical therapy and bracing are effective treatments that can help manage spinal stenosis and improve your daily movement. These methods focus on strengthening your body, improving posture and reducing pressure on the spine.

Physical therapy: A physical therapist will work with you to create an exercise plan that strengthens your back and core muscles. This can help make your spine more stable and reduce discomfort. They will also teach you ways to improve your balance and flexibility. One key part of therapy may include teaching you how to walk in a way that eases pressure on your nerves.
Bracing: For lumbar spinal stenosis, wearing a brace can help reduce pressure on your lower spine and limit small movements that may irritate the nerves. Sometimes, a brace can also help improve your posture or shift weight to your abdomen, taking pressure off your spine and providing relief from pain.

Integrative medicine

Integrative medicine focuses on combining traditional treatments with alternative therapies to manage spinal stenosis symptoms and improve overall well-being. These options can be used alongside other treatments to help reduce pain and promote healing.

Acupuncture: Acupuncture may help alleviate pain in some cases of lumbar stenosis, especially for less severe symptoms. It involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to improve energy flow and reduce pain.
Chiropractic manipulation: Chiropractic manipulation can be a helpful treatment for spinal stenosis pain by improving spinal alignment and mobility. It’s generally safe for most people, but caution is needed if you have conditions like osteoporosis or a herniated disc, as manipulation may worsen symptoms or cause injury in these cases.
Massage therapy: Massage therapy can provide relief by easing muscle tension and improving blood flow to the affected areas. Regular sessions may help reduce pain, improve flexibility and promote relaxation. It’s a gentle, noninvasive option that can complement other treatments to manage spinal stenosis symptoms effectively.

Surgery

If treatments like medications and lifestyle changes don’t relieve your symptoms or if your condition gets worse, surgery might be considered. In some cases, if your symptoms are severe, your doctor may recommend surgery sooner. The main goal of surgery is to relieve pressure on the spinal cord (or nerves) that is causing your pain and other symptoms.

There are different surgical options for spinal stenosis, depending on the severity of your condition and which part of the spine is affected:

Discectomy: If you have a herniated (slipped) disc that’s pressing on nerves, a discectomy may be recommended. This surgery removes part or all of the damaged disc to relieve pressure on the nerves in the neck (cervical) or lower back (lumbar).
Foraminotomy: This surgery creates more space in the spine where nerve roots exit. By widening these openings, pressure on the nerves is relieved, which can help reduce pain and improve mobility.
Laminectomy: In a laminectomy, the surgeon removes part of the vertebrae, such as bone spurs, to widen the spinal canal. This creates more space for the spinal cord and nerves, easing pressure and reducing pain.
Spinal fusion: If there’s instability in the spine, a spinal fusion might be necessary. This surgery fuses two or more vertebrae together to stop movement between them, helping to provide stability and prevent further issues.

Your doctor will discuss the best option for you based on your symptoms, the severity of your condition, and your overall health.

Frequently asked questions

Is spinal stenosis hereditary?

Certain conditions that can lead to spinal stenosis are hereditary, but more research is needed to understand the connection between genetics and spinal stenosis.
Can spinal stenosis be cured?

No, technically, spinal stenosis cannot be cured. However, there are many surgical treatments available that can help relieve symptoms, if conservative measures do not provide relief. Surgery for spinal stenosis can provide immediate relief of symptoms and improve quality of life, though nonsurgical options should be attempted first.
Can smoking cause spinal stenosis?

Yes, smoking can increase your risk of spinal stenosis by damaging the bones and discs in your spine. It reduces blood flow, weakens spinal discs, causes bone loss and increases inflammation — all of which can lead to back problems over time.
Can spinal stenosis cause neuropathy?

Yes, spinal stenosis can cause neuropathy. When the spine narrows, it can press on nerves, leading to symptoms like numbness, tingling, pain, weakness and balance problems. If you have these symptoms, speak to your healthcare provider for the right care and help prevent further nerve damage.
Can spinal stenosis cause hip pain?

Yes, spinal stenosis can cause hip pain. When nerves are compressed in the spine, pain can radiate to the hips, often in the buttocks or back of the hip. This overlap of symptoms is called "hip-spine syndrome." If you’re experiencing this, talk to your doctor for the right treatment.
How long does spinal stenosis last?

Spinal stenosis is a long-term condition that doesn't usually go away on its own. Symptoms may last or even get worse over time, but they can be different for everyone. While the condition tends to progress slowly, there are treatments available that can help manage symptoms and improve your quality of life.
Is walking good for spinal stenosis?

Yes, walking can help with spinal stenosis by improving circulation and muscle strength. It’s a gentle exercise, but it’s important to listen to your body and take breaks if needed, as long walks might increase pain. Always check with your doctor to find the best walking routine for you.

Spinal Stenosis

What is spinal stenosis?

Spinal stenosis symptoms