Younger generation patients have smaller bony spinal canals also in the cervical spine even though this difference is less marked than at the lumbar level. There is, nevertheless, moderate positive correlation between these two anatomical regions. Perinatal factors that adversely influence spinal growth, such as increased maternal age and smoking, could explain these generational changes, given that body height has increased during the same time period. The lesser difference observed in the cervical spine could be due to later closure of the neurocentral synchondrosis at this level.