Spinal Stenosis

Cervical Spinal Stenosis Condition Animation

Spinal stenosis is a condition that causes a narrowing of the spinal canal, which can compress the spinal cord or nerves, resulting in pain, weakness, numbness, and other symptoms. When this condition occurs in the upper or cervical region of the spine in the neck it is referred to as cervical stenosis.

Causes Of Spinal Stenosis

Cervical stenosis is most frequently caused by degenerative changes, including osteoarthritis, in the neck. After years of normal wear and tear, cushioning between bones in the spine may break down, allowing bones to wear against each other. At these sites, the body produces growths called bone spurs that may narrow the spinal canal, causing pressure on the spinal canal enough to compress the spinal cord.

Treatment

Cervical Stenosis may or may not require treatment depending on whether symptoms include pain or disability. Nonsurgical treatments may include modifying activities to reduce stress on the spine, physical therapy, medications, injections to reduce pain and inflammation, or wearing a brace. In severe cases or those that are progressively worsening, physicians may recommend surgery to correct the condition.

Common Spinal Stenosis Symptoms

A narrowing of the spinal canal typically doesn’t cause symptoms unless it progresses to a point where it significantly compresses the spinal cord or nerves. When this happens, intermittent or chronic pain, numbness, or weakness may be felt in the neck and shoulders and may extend down the arms to the hands. The neck pain is often described as stiffness, and people often complain of numbness or heaviness in the arms and hands. When the spinal cord is compressed, there can be shock-like pain down the arms and legs, difficulty using arms and hands, or difficulty walking.

If you’re living with spinal stenosis in the upper spine and searching for relief, reach out to BEST Health System for help. Our multidisciplinary team is dedicated to helping people develop the right care plan to reach treatment goals and achieve lasting relief.

If you have experienced any of these symptoms or recieved a diagnosis and need treatment, BEST can help. Take the first step towards relief today.