During spinal extension, the central canal narrows.

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Multiple Choice

During spinal extension, the central canal narrows.

During spinal extension, the back of the vertebrae come closer together and the ligamentum flavum can buckle inward toward the canal. This combination reduces the space available for the spinal cord and nerve roots, so the central canal narrows. This is why symptoms of spinal stenosis often worsen with standing or arching the back and improve when bending forward (flexion), which tends to open up the canal.

During spinal extension, the back of the vertebrae come closer together and the ligamentum flavum can buckle inward toward the canal. This combination reduces the space available for the spinal cord and nerve roots, so the central canal narrows. This is why symptoms of spinal stenosis often worsen with standing or arching the back and improve when bending forward (flexion), which tends to open up the canal.

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