Spinal Stenosis

By Anne Asher, About.com GuideSeptember 17, 2007

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Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spaces in and around the vertebral column.

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Spinal stenosis is a general term referring to the narrowing of spaces in the vertebral column. It especially affects middle-aged and elderly people whose spines change with age. Spinal stenosis is often caused by osteoarthritis. Because there are nerves and the spinal cord in the area, the narrowing of passageways through which they pass can result in pain. Learn more about spinal stenosis, including symptoms, how it is treated and how it is diagnosed.

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