SPINAL STENOSIS: Causes

There are many potential causes for spinal stenosis, including:

> Aging
As you get older, the ligaments (tough connective tissues between the bones in the spine) can thicken. Spurs (small growths) may develop on the bones and into the spinal canal. The cushioning disks between the vertebrae may begin to deteriorate. The facet joints (flat surfaces on each vertebra that form the spinal column) also may begin to break down.

> Heredity
If the spinal canal is too small at birth, symptoms may show up in a relatively young person.

> Changes in blood flow to the lumbar spine