Topic Overview

Symptoms of spinal stenosis can appear to be similar to symptoms of some other conditions.

Conditions with symptoms similar to those of cervical (neck) spinal stenosis include:

• A herniated disc in the neck. A herniated disc occurs when a disc (which acts as a cushion between the bones in the spine) is damaged from an injury, normal wear and tear, or disease. This damage may cause the disc to bulge or break open (rupture). When a disc bulges or ruptures, it is called a herniated disc.
• Peripheral arterial disease. Hardening of the arteries that supply blood to the arms may cause cramping pain that occurs when you are using your arms and is relieved by rest (intermittent claudication).
• Nervous system changes (neuropathies), including multiple sclerosis, Guillain-Barré syndrome, changes associated with vitamin B12 and folic acid deficiencies, and focal diabetic neuropathy.
• Infections in the neck area.
• Tumors in the neck area.

Conditions with symptoms similar to those of lumbar (low back) spinal stenosis include:

• Low back pain.
• A herniated disc in the low back.
• Peripheral arterial disease. Hardening of the arteries that supply blood to the legs may cause cramping pain in the leg that occurs during exercise (such as walking) and is relieved by rest (intermittent claudication).
• Abdominal aortic aneurysm.
• Nervous system changes (neuropathies), including multiple sclerosis, Guillain-Barré syndrome, changes associated with vitamin B12 and folic acid deficiencies, and focal diabetic neuropathy.
• Infections in the low back area.
• Tumors in the low back area.