How Your Spine Works
Summary
| Key Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Spine structure | 24 vertebrae stacked on top of one another |
| Spinal canal | A tunnel running through the vertebrae (like a garden hose) |
| Nerves | The spinal cord and nerve roots travel through the spinal canal |
| Discs | Cushions between the vertebrae (like a jelly doughnut) |
| Aging changes | The spinal canal narrows and may compress the nerves |
Next Steps
→ What Is Lumbar Spinal Stenosis? — A detailed look at the symptoms and causes of stenosis
→ Understanding Your Pain — Why pain occurs and how it works
→ Tests and Diagnosis — How spinal stenosis is diagnosed