<unk>  cord<unk>  is the narrowing of the vertebral canal tube. This narrowing produces neurovascular compression that may lead to pain and other neurology manifestations of<unk><unk> . Radiographic changes associated with<unk>  are very common with aging. Although symptoms may arise from narrowing of the<unk>  canal, not all patients with narrowing develop symptoms. The<unk>  cord extends from the foramen magnum down to the level of the first and second lumbar vertebrae. At L2 level<unk>  cord transforms into<unk>  roots and forms a cone-shaped structure called conus medullaris. The cord is protected by the vertebral column, which is mobile and allows for movement of the spine. It is enclosed by the dura mater and the vessels supplying it. The cord floats in the cerebrospinal fluid which acts as a buffer to movement and early degrees of compression. The cord substance contains a gray area centrally and is surrounded by white matter communication tracts, both ascending and descending. The<unk><unk>  may result from any condition that narrows the<unk>  canal and compresses nerve roots. The most common cause of<unk><unk>  is degenerative joint disease. The<unk>  cord and nerve roots depend on a constant blood supply to perform axonal signaling. Conditions that interfere, either directly or indirectly, with the blood supply will cause malfunction of the transmission pathway. It initiates a cascade of events in the gray matter and white matter and results in hypoperfusion. The following results in autonomic dysfunction leading to neurogenic shock ( triad of hypotension, bradycardia and peripheral vasodilation) and eventually hemorrhagic necrosis. The extent of necrosis depends on the severity of the compression, and blood flow. The tissue responses by gliosis, demyelination, and axonal loss. This results in injury to the white matter (myelinated tracts) and the gray matter (cell bodies) in the cord with loss of sensory reflexes (pinprick, joint position sense, vibration, hot/cold, pressure) and motor function.
Spinal cord stenosis pathophysiology
Spinal cord compression pathophysiology
Back pain pathophysiology
Carpal tunnel syndrome pathophysiology
Vertebral osteomyelitis pathophysiology
Bell's palsy pathophysiology
Scoliosis pathophysiology
Carpal tunnel syndrome risk factors