Most people get low back pain at one time or another. Low back pain is a symptom of a problem. One common cause of low back pain is a condition called spinal stenosis. Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spaces in the backbone, or spinal column. This narrowing can put pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots. The spinal column is formed by the bones of your spine, called vertebrae. The vertebrae have a hollow core. When stacked upon each other, they form a canal that protects and supports the spinal cord. Nerves, called nerve roots, branch off from the spinal cord through spaces between the vertebrae and lead to different parts of your body.
Online Medical Reviewer: Foster, Sara, RN, MPH
Online Medical Reviewer: Sohrabi, Farrokh, MD
Date Last Reviewed: 04/30/2020
© 2000-2026 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
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