Cervical spinal stenosis can potentially cause serious problems with the nervous system, including problems with bowel or bladder control (incontinence) and permanent loss of strength and feeling in the arms, hands, legs, and chest.

Can a pinched nerve in lower back cause bowel problems?

Severely pinched nerves in certain parts of the spine can even cause loss of bowel and bladder control.

How does stenosis affect the bowels?

Lumbar spinal stenosis, a condition characterized by a narrowing of the spinal canal in your lower back, can also cause back pain, weakness or numbness in your legs, and loss of bowel or bladder control.