Cervical Stenosis Explained
Cervical stenosis is a common type of neck pain that is most commonly found among the elderly. Cervical stenosis is caused by the narrowing of the spinal canal towards the upper area of your spine and neck. As the spinal cord narrows, more pressure is placed on your spine than normal. Cervical stenosis can be present at birth, but the majority of cases occur among the elderly as a result of age and atrophy of the spine during their lifetimes.
Many times you’ll find those who are suffering from cervical stenosis have a history of injury or trauma sustained to the neck and upper spine. This injury/trauma could have occurred many years earlier before any symptoms of cervical stenosis manifest.
Cervical Stenosis Symptoms
- Recurring neck pain, can range from mild to severe
- Weakness or clumsiness in the hands
- Numbness and weakness can spread across the shoulders, arms, and legs
- Balance may feel ‘off’
- In more severe types of cases, you may experience bladder or bowel problems
- Pins and needles feeling can occur in your arms and legs
Non-Surgical Treatment
If suffering from cervical stenosis these would be some of the first options.
- Medication – This would mainly consist of anti-inflammatory medications to help reduce and swelling. In some cases muscle relaxants or prescription pain killers may be prescribed in more severe cases.
- Cold/Heat – This is the most helpful if applied during first 1-2 days of pain. It will help to reduce swelling allowing more blood flow.
- Physical Therapy – This can include stretching, exercise, bracing, and massage to decrease pain and allow improved function.
- Alternative Thearpy – This could include something such as acupuncture.
Surgical Treatment
In cases where standard treatment fails, surgery might be considered. There are varying techniques used to treat cervical stenosis. During any surgery, the primary goal is to reduce the pressure being placed on the spinal cord and nerve roots. This would involve removing whatever may be causing the pressure. A surgeon would evaluate your case and decide the best surgery for your unique situation. Some surgery options may include, but not limited to:
- Disectomy – This involves removing part of, or the entire disc, such as a bulging or herniated disc, placing pressure on the nerve roots.
- Posterior Laminoplasty – During this procedure the spinal canal is enlarged by lifting the lamina on one half.
- Foraminotomy – The foramen is enlarged, removing pressure from the nerve roots.
- Decompressive Laminectomy – This is the most common type of surgical operation used to treat cervical stenosis. During this procedure the lamina (roof of a vertebrae) is removed to create more space for the nerves in the spinal canal. Because only part of the lamina is removed, it is called a decompressive laminectomy.
Recovering From Surgery
Many times patients will be able to get out of bed and move around the same day of surgery. Activity would be limited at first but gradually increased over a few days until the patient is discharged. Most patients will return home in a matter of only a few days but this will depend on the extent of surgery performed. Your doctor will prescribe pain medications to assist with the pain you will experience during your recovery period.
Once you have returned home it’s important to get plenty of rest. Your doctor will give you instructions on how to best handle activities and safely get back to your daily routine. The pain you would be feeling after surgery should begin reducing withing a week or two of the surgery. Other directions about how to increase flexibility and ways to decrease pain will also be provided to you.
