spinal stenosis

spinal stenosis, narrowing of the vertebral canal, nerve root canals, or intervertebral foramina of the lumbar spine, caused by encroachment of bone on the space. Symptoms are caused by compression of the cauda equina and include pain, paresthesias, and neurogenic claudication. The condition either may be congenital or may be caused by spinal degeneration. See also spinal cord compression.