Spine Specialty
Cervical Spinal Stenosis
Cervical Spinal Stenosis Spinal Doctor in Columbia, SC
What is Cervical Spinal Stenosis?
Cervical spinal stenosis is a condition caused by the narrowing of the spinal canal in your cervical spine, or neck. This can result in compression of your spinal cord and nerves in the neck, causing a variety of symptoms and possible complications. Cervical spinal stenosis has several different causes and typically develops as you begin to age. Symptoms can begin suddenly with little warning.
What Are Symptoms of Cervical Spinal Stenosis?
Cervical spinal stenosis is a common cause of neck pain but should be taken seriously. If left untreated, Cervical spinal stenosis can cause significant and permanent nerve damage and drastically impact your quality of life. Symptoms of Cervical spinal stenosis include:
- Persistent neck pain that increases in intensity
- Numbness and tingling in the hands,arms, legs, and feet
- Muscle weakness in the upper body and extremities
- Problems with motor function
- Problems with coordination and balance
- Pain that radiates down the arm
- Interrupted bladder and bowel function
- Severe and frequent headaches that are often mistaken for migraine headaches or cluster headaches
The Spine Physicians, Pain Management Team, and Physical Therapy Staff at Midlands Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery will work together to provide a personalized approach to treat your Cervical Spinal Stenosisorosis pain and symptoms.
What Causes Cervical Spinal Stenosis?
Cervical spinal stenosis develops as a result of aging and is common in older adults.
As we age the cervical or upper spine/neck area experiences wear and tear, causing the breakdown of cervical discs, causing compression and inflammation, and aids in the development of bone spurs. These can compress the cervical spinal cord and put pressure on the nerves, causing weakness, numbness, and more symptoms that impact your daily life. Herniated discs also contribute to Cervical spinal stenosis, when the inner disc between vertebrae bulges or ruptures and presses against the spinal cord.
Some individuals may be born with a narrow spinal canal due to genetic factors, or injuries to the neck like fractures and herniated discs can cause Cervical spinal stenosis.
The Best Ways to Treat Cervical Spinal Stenosis
Treating cervical spinal stenosis depends on the severity of the condition or how far it’s progressed. Cervical spinal stenosis can have a drastic impact on your daily life. Typical treatment options include:
- Physical therapy to reduce pain, improve strength, flexibility and alleviate symptoms and prevent Cervical spinal stenosis from progressing.
- Pain management and relief such as muscle relaxants or anti-inflammatory medications.
- Lifestyle changes like maintaining a healthy weight, practicing good posture, avoiding activities that exacerbate pain symptoms in the neck, and following the instructions of a physical therapist.
- Your doctor may recommend surgery when more conservative treatments don’t provide symptom relief. The surgery type will depend on the cause of your stenosis and might include procedures such as cervical laminectomy or the removal of bone spurs or discs compressing the spinal cord, or cervical fusion to stabilize and support the affected vertebrae.
Cervical Spinal Stenosis Care in Columbia, SC
If you’re struggling with neck pain, weakness, headaches, and tingling and suspect you may be dealing with Cervical spinal stenosis, our team at Midlands Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery is ready to help. We’ll create a personalized treatment plan to get you back to your pain-free normal activities. Experiencing any Cervical spinal stenosis symptoms? Don’t wait, schedule an appointment with us today.
