Stenosis is narrowing of the passage or opening in the spine can compromise the space in the spinal canal (central stenosis), nerve root canal, or foramen (lateral stenosis).
This can be acquired or congenital.
May be caused by soft tissue structures such as disk protrusions, fibrotic scars, or joint swelling by narrowing of the bones. This can sometimes be secondary to osteophytes caused by spondylolisthesis.