Spinal stenosis

Overview

Spinal stenosis occurs when part of your spine narrows, putting pressure on your spinal cord or nerves. That pressure can cause pain, numbness or weakness in your back, neck, shoulders or limbs. Spinal stenosis can result from injuries, tumors and other diseases. The most common cause is changes in your spine as you age. If your spinal stenosis is severe, you may need surgery.

Why choose Mayo Clinic

• Experience. Each year, Mayo Clinic doctors diagnose and treat thousands of people with spinal stenosis.
• Advanced techniques. Mayo Clinic patients have access to the latest imaging technology to accurately identify the source of your spinal problems. Mayo specialists are committed to using minimally invasive procedures whenever possible, to speed your recovery.
• Team approach. Treating spinal stenosis involves specialists in neurology, orthopedics and physical rehabilitation. Mayo Clinic doctors work together to ensure you receive all the expertise needed to solve your problems.
• Efficient care. In many cases you can be diagnosed and start treatment in just a few days.

Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., is ranked among the Best Hospitals for neurology and neurosurgery and for orthopedics by U.S. News & World Report. Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Ariz., and Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Fla., are ranked high performing for neurology and neurosurgery and for orthopedics by U.S. News & World Report. Mayo Clinic also ranks among the Best Children's Hospitals for neurology and neurosurgery and for orthopedics.

Mayo Clinic: Answers you can trust

At Mayo Clinic, we assemble a team of specialists who take the time to listen and thoroughly understand your health issues and concerns. We tailor the care you receive to your personal health care needs. You can trust our specialists to collaborate and offer you the best possible outcomes, safety and service.

Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit medical institution that reinvests all earnings into improving medical practice, research and education. We're constantly involved in innovation and medical research, finding solutions to improve your care and quality of life. Your doctor or someone on your medical team is likely involved in research related to your condition.

Our patients tell us that the quality of their interactions, our attention to detail and the efficiency of their visits mean health care — and trusted answers — like they've never experienced.

Why Choose Mayo Clinic
What Sets Mayo Clinic Apart

Read more about spinal stenosis.