Spinal Stenosis is a disease that is caused by a narrowing of the spinal canal. This gradual narrowing is caused by the degeneration of both the facet joints and the intervertebral discs. As this happens, bone spurs (or osteophytes) develop in the spinal canal due to the excessive load on the intervertebral disc. The facet joints can also grow as they become inflamed, which contributes to a decrease in the nerve root space. The ligaments of the spinal column become thicker and less flexible with age, which also contributes to spinal stenosis. These processes narrow the spinal canal and can impinge and irritate the nerves roots and spinal cord, creating spinal stenosis.