CERVICAL SPINAL STENOSIS

Cervical Spinal Stenosis Symptoms

Cervical spinal stenosis does not always come with symptoms, especially in cases where the nerves in that area manage to escape compression or the spinal cord is spared from the effects.  However, the symptoms that may come with spinal stenosis differ both in type and severity. Since the narrowing of the canal and compression of the nerve roots is usually a gradual process, the symptoms may not be present or be extreme when this condition first develops.

As it progresses, the pain, weakness, and tingling sensations that come along with it also get more pronounced, the neck pain travels toward other body parts like the shoulders, arms, and even the legs.

The most common symptoms include:

• Neck pain
• Numbness or tingling in the hands, legs or feet
• Muscle weakness in the hands, legs or feet
• Difficulty/imbalance while walking or standing
• Difficulty with fine hand movements
• In severe cases, loss of bladder or bowel control

Effects of Cervical Stenosis

One of the effects of cervical stenosis is the pinching or compression of nerves in the neck by the cervical spine. This causes burning pain, numbness, weakness, or tingling sensations radiating into the upper body and arms depending on the affected nerves. Thus, specific head or neck movements may worsen the symptoms and the longer they last, they may cause paralysis or become permanent.

More extreme cases of spinal stenosis involve compression of the spinal cord and Cervical Myelopathy which can be a result of wear and tear that aging brings. Eventually, cervical myelopathy can lead to two types of symptoms including the ones felt in the neck as pain and more permanent nerve damage occurring below the region of compressed nerves, which can cause difficulty in walking or maintaining balance.

Upon reviewing this condition, doctors notice that it can occur with and without symptoms, but when symptoms do occur, they tend to progress over time.

Pain & Problems Associated With Cervical Stenosis

Pain is one of the hallmarks of nerve damage with this condition. The wear and tear of the cervical spine alongside the narrowing of the spinal canal give rise to symptoms of cervical stenosis including pain. The pain could arise from various sources or be referred to different body parts due to nerve involvement.

Neck Pain

Neck pain is a common side effect of cervical stenosis numbness and tingling extending to points below the nerve compression including the arm, hand, legs, and feet.  This may come along with weakness causing clumsiness and balance problems in most people.

Loss of Function

A cause of emotional pain may be the loss of function that affected individuals may experience, which may include the inability to properly use the hands for functions like writing, buttoning, or more.

Loss of Bowel Control

In extreme cases, affected individuals may experience a loss of bladder control and incontinence or even bowel control. This may be due to specific nerve damage associated with spinal stenosis and its effects on the spinal cord.

Diagnosis

Doctors diagnose cervical spinal stenosis by taking a history of your symptoms, performing a physical exam, and ordering imaging tests.  During your history, the doctor will ask you about your symptoms, when they started, and how they have progressed. They will also ask you about any medical conditions you have, any injuries you have sustained, and any medications you are taking.

The doctor will then perform a physical exam. They will check your neck for pain, tenderness, and any deformities. They will also check your reflexes, strength, and sensation in your arms and hands.  During the physical exam, the doctor will check to see if you have any balance problems, as well as any loss of muscle reflexes, loss of sensation, or muscle weakness that may be the result of spinal cord compression.

Imaging Tests

If the doctor suspects that you have cervical spinal stenosis, they will order imaging tests. The most common imaging test used to diagnose this condition is an MRI. An MRI can show the bones, ligaments, and discs in your spine. It can also show any narrowing of the spinal canal.  Other imaging tests that may be used to diagnose cervical spinal stenosis include a CT scan and a myelogram. A CT scan is a series of X-rays that can create a cross-sectional image of your spine. A myelogram is an X-ray that uses a contrast dye to outline the spinal cord and nerves.

Non-Surgical Treatment for Cervical Spinal Stenosis

The treatment for cervical spinal stenosis depends on the severity of the condition and the specific symptoms experienced by the patient. Here are some of the non-surgical treatments for this condition:

Non-surgical treatments:

• Physical therapy can help to strengthen the muscles of the neck and improve range of motion. This can help to relieve symptoms of cervical spinal stenosis.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help to relieve pain and inflammation associated with cervical spinal stenosis.
• Steroid injections can help to reduce inflammation and relieve pain associated with cervical spinal stenosis.
• A cervical collar or brace can help to support the neck and reduce the pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots.

Spinal Stenosis Surgery

If non-surgical treatments do not relieve symptoms or if they get worse, your doctor may recommend surgery.  In order to treat cervical spinal stenosis, there are several surgical procedures that relieve spinal cord pressure.  For example, the most common surgical procedures for this condition consist of the following by one of our expert doctors:

Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Spinal Fusion

When cervical disc herniation or degenerative disc disease is found, this surgery is typically used.  In order to correct the problem, the surgeon removes all or part of the affected disc.  Then the surgeon performs a fusion to stabilize the spine to allow the bones to heal properly.

Decompressive laminectomy

In short, this is the most common procedure to correct cervical spinal stenosis.  During this procedure, the surgeon will remove all or part of the lamina from the back of the vertebra.  Sometimes, only a small hole needs to relieve the pressure on the spinal cord.

Foraminotomy

For nerves to pass from the spinal cord to the rest of the body, they use the foramen (a bony hollow archway) as their passageway.  In this procedure, the surgeon cuts a small hole in the vertebra and allows the nerves to pass through the hole to relieve pressure on the nerves and spine.

In addition, these surgeries may even be performed using minimally invasive techniques.  To do this, the surgeon makes a tiny (3 to 15-millimeter) incision and uses special instruments to conduct the surgery.  With minimally invasive procedures, doctors normally allow patients to return to their homes the same day after surgery.

Why Choose the Southwest Scoliosis and Spine Institute?

The Southwest Scoliosis and Spine Institute Specialists have offices in  Dallas, Plano, and Frisco, Texas.  Furthermore, the practice is led by a team of highly qualified, experienced orthopedic and spine surgeons.  These surgeons are recognized as the very best by their fellow doctors and surgeons. The doctors are also recognized as leaders in diagnosing and treating the most sophisticated and complex spine conditions.

The orthopedic and spine surgeons at The Southwest Scoliosis and Spine Institute are board-certified, having completed great training at the finest medical institutions in the country.

Each patient’s treatment program is tailored to the patient’s specific needs. Also, we continue to monitor patients with ongoing re-evaluations and adjustments as the recovery progresses. Chiefly, the team offers the most advanced treatment, which combines the latest in cutting-edge technology.  The surgeons prioritize minimally invasive techniques.  However, when necessary the surgeons will use surgery to treat patients and get them back to normal.  The practice welcomes new patients and encourages patients with neck pain to call and make an appointment.

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WebMD: Cervical Spinal Stenosis
Health Central: Cervical Spinal Stenosis