Overview
Spinal stenosis is narrowing of the spinal column that causes pressure on the spinal cord, or narrowing of the openings (called neural foramina) where spinal nerves leave the spinal column.
Causes
Aging
Arthritis
Bone disease
Birth defect
Herniated or slipped disc
Injury or trauma
Tumors
Symptoms
Numbness, cramping, or pain in the back, buttocks, thighs, or calves, or in the neck, shoulders or arms
Weakness of part of a leg or arm
Difficulty or poor balance when walking
Problems controlling urine or bowel movements
Diagnosis
Physical examination
Nerve function tests
EMG
MRI or CT scan
X-ray
Treatment
Physical therapy
Massage
Application of ice and/or heat
Medications
Surgery
Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001477/