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	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text and any section headings.

Spinal stenosis is a term used to describe a narrowing of the spinal canal, which contains the spinal cord and emerging nerve roots. It can occur in any portion of the spine. Because of limited space, changes in the bone (vertebral bodies) or soft tissues (spinal ligaments) can result in compression of the affected spinal cord and blood vessels. This narrowing can be congenital (genetic) or acquired (arthritis, trauma, bone disease, tumor) or a combination of both. Stenosis can be classified by location: central (involving the spinal cord) or lateral (affecting the nerve roots). Cord compression can also occur in patients with advanced cancer. The February 27, 2008, issue of JAMA includes an article about treatment options for cord compression due to metastatic cancer.

CONDITIONS THAT RESULT IN SPINAL STENOSIS

• Osteophytes—formation of bony spurs associated with osteoarthritis
  
• Herniated disk—protrusion of a cartilage disk between vertebrae
  
• Malignancy—cancer
  
• Scarring and inflammation . . . [Full Text of this Article]

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