Spinal StenosisMedical Author:
Jason C. Eck, DO, MS
Jason C. Eck, DO, MSDr. Eck received a Bachelor of Science degree from the Catholic University of America in Biomedical Engineering, followed by a Master of Science degree in Biomedical Engineering from Marquette University. Following this he worked as a research engineer Medical Editor:
William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACRDr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.
Spinal Stenosis OverviewThe spinal canal is formed by the openings of a series of bones (vertebrae) stacked on top of each other.
Spinal stenosis is a condition whereby there is abnormal narrowing in the spinal canal. This narrowing limits the amount of space available for the spinal cord and nerves. As spinal stenosis becomes more severe there is compression or squeezing of the spinal cord and its nerves. Spinal stenosis can occur anywhere in the spinal canal, but it is most common in the cervical and lumbar spine. Spinal Stenosis CausesThe most common reason to develop spinal stenosis is degenerative arthritis, or bony and soft tissue changes that result from ageing. Spinal stenosis is usually seen in patients over 50 years of age, and becomes progressively more severe with increased age. The normal "wear and tear" of ageing can cause arthritis in the spine that leads to spinal stenosis. This can be from bone spurs (osteophytes) forming, bulging and wear of the intervertebral discs, and thickening of the ligaments between the vertebrae. Sometimes, increased motion between the vertebrae can cause one vertebra to slip forward on another. This is called spondylolisthesis, and it can also cause spinal stenosis. Not everyone develops spinal stenosis as they become older. Certain people are more likely to develop spinal stenosis than others. People that have a family history of spinal stenosis or other back problems are at an increased risk of developing spinal stenosis because of a genetic trait. Also, people that subject their backs to greater demands such as heavy laborers or athletes are also at an increased risk to develop spinal stenosis than someone with a more sedentary job. Viewer Comments & ReviewsLumbar Spinal Stenosis - SymptomsThe eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:What was the treatment for your lumbar spinal stenosis? Lumbar Spinal Stenosis - Describe Your ExperienceThe eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:Please describe your experience with lumbar spinal stenosis. |
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Spinal Stenosis
Ankylosing Spondylitis, Orthopedic Perspective »
AS Orthopedic Overview
>Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the spine and the area where the spine connects to the pelvis (known as the sacroiliac joints). Sacroiliac joint involvement is considered the hallmark of this disorder and is a requirement for diagnosis.
Ankylosing spondylitis is categorized as a seronegative spondyloarthropathy. The term seronegative means that a blood test result does not show the presence of rheumatoid arthritis, and the term spondyloarthropathy means a disease that affects the joints of the spine. These inflammatory disorders affect multiple systems of the body. Other disorders in this category include: Reiter syndrome (reactive arthritis); arthritis associated with inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis; psoriatic arthritis; undifferentiated spondyloarthropathies; juvenile chronic arthritis; and juvenile-onset ankylosing spondylitis.
Ankylosing spondylitis a...
Read the Ankylosing Spondylitis, Orthopedic Perspective article »
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