Spinal stenosis (progressive narrowing of the spinal canal) is a part of the aging process, and predicting who will be affected is not possible. No clear correlation is noted between the symptoms of stenosis and race, occupation, sex, or body type. Treatment of spinal stenosis can be conservative or surgical. While the degenerative process can be managed, it cannot be prevented by diet, exercise, or lifestyle.

Acute and chronic neck and lower back pain represent major health care problems in the United States. An estimated 75% of all people experience back pain at some time in their lives. Most patients who present with an acute episode of back pain recover without surgery, while 3-5% of patients presenting with back pain have a herniated disc, and 1-2% have compression of a nerve root. Older patients present with more chronic or recurrent symptoms of degenerative spinal disease.

Progressive narrowing of the spinal canal may occur alone or in combination with acute disc herniation. Congenital and acquired spinal stenoses place the patient at a greater risk for acute neurologic injury. Spinal stenosis is most common in the cervical and lumbar areas.