Cervical Spinal Stenosis

What is cervical spinal stenosis?
Cervical Spinal Stenosis, also known as “spinal narrowing,” is just that. In spinal stenosis, the spine narrows, causing spinal cord compression (myelopathy) and the nerves (radiculopathy). Cervical spinal stenosis is a compression problem in the region of your neck.

Although it can be an inborn issue, cervical spinal stenosis can be obtained by the growth of a bone spur or herniation of a disc. Additionally, myelopathy can result from Multiple Sclerosis, vitamin B-12 deficiency, spinal tumors, Syringomyelia, arteriovenous spinal cord malformations, and Chiari malformations. Whether obtained genetically or incidentally, cervical spinal stenosis can cause moderate to extreme neck pain, negatively impacting how individuals live their lives. Indeed, cervical spinal stenosis is an issue for at least 4.9% of the adult population.

Symptoms:
As mentioned, cervical spinal stenosis derives from nerve roots or spinal cord compression. Symptoms limited to compression of the nerves (radiculopathy) are:

  • Numbness or weakness in one arm
  • Back pain

Symptoms of spinal cord compression (myelopathy), specifically in the region of the neck, are:

  • Frequent headaches
  • Migraine symptoms
  • Fatigue
  • Difficulty with memory and concentration
  • Vertigo
  • Dizziness
  • Sensitivity to the senses (light, sounds, smells)
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Weakness and Clumsiness
  • Balance problems
  • An increase in urinary urgency and frequency
  • Disturbances in bowel movements

Diagnosis

For the physician to diagnose cervical spinal stenosis, the patient must provide a detailed medical history with a follow-up physical examination. In addition, the physician may order an MRI to show the spinal stenosis and spinal cord compression.

Treatments

Every case of cervical spinal stenosis is unique to each patient. That’s why we provide treatments that provide non-surgical and surgical therapies. Both therapies seek to eliminate the previously mentioned symptoms of radiculopathy and myelopathy. Discover which treatment is best for your needs by contacting us to schedule an evaluation.