of the body that is subject to the most mechanical stress. The neck is also a common
area for osteoarthritis (also called cervical spondylosis).
Blood tests are normal in osteoarthritis. X-rays and MRI may show typical changes.
Spinal stenosis
Spinal stenosis is a condition wherein the spinal canal (the space through which the
spinal cord runs) narrows resulting in compression of the spinal cord, cauda equina,
and/or sciatic nerve roots. This narrowing can be caused by:
- Osteoarthritis – bone spur formation, thickening of ligaments
- Osteoporosis – brittle bones resulting in compression fractures of vertebrae
- Spondylolisthesis – slippage of one vertebra over the one below
- Inflammation – any swelling and irritation due to injury or infection
- Herniated disc – disc protrudes into spinal canal
All the above conditions decrease available space for the spinal cord, thus pinching and
irritating nerves from the spinal cord. Spinal stenosis is a common cause of back pain,
particularly in older people. The sciatic nerve is often compressed resulting in sciatica
(see below).