Your spinal nerves travel through your spinal canal and exit through openings called foramen. Spinal stenosis occurs when the foramen becomes narrow, putting pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots. Typically, spinal stenosis occurs in the neck and lower back.

While some people are born with spinal stenosis, others develop it from osteoarthritis, bone spurs, herniated discs, tumors, and other spinal injuries.

Symptoms of spinal stenosis include:

• Tingling in the fingers or toes
• Numbness in the lower back, buttocks, and thighs
• Muscle weakness in the legs
• Pain in the neck that worsens with movement

Mild cases of spinal stenosis can often be treated with physical therapy, injections, and medications. However, If the condition is more severe, spinal stenosis may need to be treated with surgery.