Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal caused by a number of factors, including one or more of the following: excessive bone growth, thickening of tissue in the canal (such as ligaments or cartilage), and/or herniated disc. This narrowing can aggravate the cord itself or the nerve roots where they leave the spinal cord. It is generally caused by degeneration of tissues as part of the aging process and it occurs most often in people over age 50. Spinal Stenosis can occur in the cervical (neck) or lumbar (lower back) spine and it is characterized by pain, numbness, or weakness in the legs, feet, or buttocks.