Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spaces in the spine, or backbone, where the spinal cord is. It puts pressure on the spinal cord, which can cause back pain, weakness in the arms or legs, and balance problems. More to Know Most cases of spinal stenosis (stih-NO-sis) are caused by the breaking down of bones, disks (pads between the spinal bones), and ligaments during the aging process. So it mostly affects people over age 50. In younger people, it's usually due to a genetic disease that affects bone and muscle development, like scoliosis. Some people may be born with the defect while others had a spinal injury that caused it. Some tumors also can lead to spinal stenosis. Some people don't feel the effects of spinal stenosis. But most have symptoms like: pain or cramping in the legs when walking or standing for long periods of time numbness, weakness, or tingling in a leg, foot, arm, or hand Symptoms tend to get worse over time. To treat spinal stenosis, a doctor might recommend medicines, physical therapy, and steroid injections. For more serious cases, doctors can do surgery to increase space in the spinal area and relieve pressure. At-home treatments like over-the-counter pain medicines, hot or cold packs, and using a cane or walker also might help. Keep in Mind With the right treatment and some lifestyle changes, many people with spinal stenosis can remain active for many years. All A to Z dictionary entries are regularly reviewed by KidsHealth medical experts. Back to Articles Related Articles Brain and Nervous System If the brain is a central computer that controls all the functions of the body, then the nervous system is like a network that relays messages back and forth to different parts of the body. Find out how they work in this Body Basics article. Read More Brain and Nervous System The brain controls everything we do, and is often likened to the central computer within a vast, complicated communication network, working at lightning speed. Read More Your Brain & Nervous System Your brain is the boss of your body and runs the whole show. Learn more in this article for kids. Read More Scoliosis Scoliosis makes a person’s spine curve from side to side. Large curves can cause health problems like pain or breathing trouble. Health care providers treat scoliosis with back braces or surgery when needed. Read More Scoliosis Scoliosis makes a person’s spine curve from side to side. Large curves can cause health problems like pain or breathing trouble. Health care providers treat scoliosis with back braces or surgery when needed. Read More Word! Scoliosis Scoliosis is an abnormal curve of the spine, also known as the backbone. Read More X-Ray Exam: Scoliosis Kids with scoliosis have a spine that curves, like an S or a C. If scoliosis is suspected, a doctor may order X-rays to measure the curvature of the spine. Read More Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. © 1995-2021 KidsHealth®. All rights reserved. Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com.