Narrowing of the main central tunnel that carries the spinal cord and nerves.
In more detail
- The central canal narrows through a combination of disc bulging from the front, facet enlargement from behind, and thickening of the ligamentum flavum.
- It is graded mild, moderate or severe, and it is reported level by level.
- In the neck, severe narrowing can compress the spinal cord itself — a different and more serious situation than nerve root compression, and one that is looked for specifically.
What it means for you
The classic symptom in the lower back is neurogenic claudication: leg pain and heaviness after a predictable walking distance, relieved by sitting or leaning forward. See spinal stenosis for how it is treated.
Remember the general rule. Findings like this one are common in people with no pain at all, and become steadily more common with age. A finding on a report is not a diagnosis until someone has matched it to your symptoms and your examination. See understanding your MRI report.
Bring your scan and report in and we will go through it with you. Call (314) 310-5577 or request an appointment.
Common questions
Does severe stenosis on the report mean surgery?
Not automatically. The decision rests on your symptoms and function, not on the radiologist’s adjective.
Why can I walk further pushing a trolley?
Leaning forward opens the canal. It is such a consistent finding that it is used diagnostically.
Hurt in an accident? Start here.
You do not need a lawyer, a police report or a referral to be seen. Bring your symptoms and we will work out the rest.
Or text (314) 886-5902 · Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.