[Poncho]

Mark_SoCal,

If my mind serves me correctly at this time of night....Facet Hypertrophy can cause stenosis (narrowing) of the spinal canal and the nerve roots exiting the neural foramen at the level effected. Because the areas near and around the spine are a tight space to begin with - any enlargement (hypertrophy), herniation, scar tissue et al can cause impingement of the neural structures because there is hardly in room in there to expand.