Objective Spinal canal area (SCaA)—a proxy for maximal lifetime spinal cord growth—has recently been associated with concurrent disability and future worsening in multiple sclerosis (MS). Prior studies focused mainly on the Expanded Dis- ability Status Scale (EDSS). This study evaluates whether SCaA also relates to broader clinical outcomes. Methods We performed a retrospective longitudinal study at the Belgian National MS Center. SCaA and spinal cord area (SCoA) were quantified on 714 brain MRI scans from 426 patients with MS using newly developed deep learning models. Two approaches were applied at C2-C3: averaging values across the entire spinal segment (method 1) or across 10 slices centered on the intervertebral disc (method 2). Disability measures included the EDSS, Timed 25‑Foot Walk Test (T25FWT), 9‑Hole Peg Test (9HPT), and Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT). Associations of SCaA with concurrent disability and longitudinal change were assessed using multivariable regression. Results Mean SCaA and SCoA were 209.6 ± 32.9 ­ mm2 and 62.7 ± 9.0 ­ mm2 (method 1) and 203.5 ± 35.0 ­ mm2 and 61.5 ± 9.8 ­ mm2 (method 2), respectively. Intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.95 for SCaA, and 0.97 for SCoA. A larger SCaA was significantly associated with lower concurrent EDSS, T25FWT, and 9HPT, but not with SDMT scores. Smaller SCaA values predicted worsening of EDSS, T25FWT and 9HPT scores after approximately 6 years. Conclusion Smaller SCaA is associated with greater clinical disability and future deterioration across multiple functionaldomains in MS. Our findings support the emerging concept of spinal cord reserve.