Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of one or more areas of the spine which can put pressure on the spinal cord or spinal nerves. Depending on which nerves are affected, spinal stenosis can cause pain, numbness, loss of sensation, or problems with bowel or bladder function. In recent decades, surgery for older patients with spinal stenosis has become increasingly common and there are many different options for surgical intervention. In the April 7 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, investigators report that complex, invasive spinal fusion procedures are becoming more common.
