Cervical stenosis is a medical condition where the spinal canal becomes too narrow for the spinal cord and nerve roots. This narrowing can cause significant damage to the spinal cord, a condition referred to as myelopathy, or can lead to the pinching of nerves as they exit the spinal canal, known as radiculopathy.
Spine Cervical Stenosis/Cervical Myelopathy: In the cervical (neck) area, spinal stenosis refers to a degree of narrowing that may impact the spinal cord or nerve roots. This type of stenosis is particularly dangerous in the neck due to the presence of the spinal cord.
Spinal stenosis most commonly occurs in the lower back and neck. It exists in two forms: Degenerative and Acquired. Degenerative spinal stenosis is due to wear and tear on the spine over time. This can include bulging discs, arthritic joints, and thickened ligaments, all contributing to the narrowing of the spinal canal.
Stenosis, meaning narrowing, can develop gradually as a result of age-related spinal degeneration. It is most prevalent in individuals over 50 years of age and is a significant cause of disability.
Cervical spinal stenosis, specifically, involves the narrowing of the spinal canal in the neck area. This canal houses the spinal cord and nerves, and its narrowing can compress these nerves, resulting in pain and other symptoms.
Common signs and symptoms of spinal stenosis include numbness, weakness, cramping, sciatica (pain that radiates down the leg), leg weakness, and issues with bowel or bladder function. However, it’s possible for the spinal canal to narrow without producing any symptoms.
The pressure exerted on the nerves by this narrowing can lead to pain, numbness, or weakness in the extremities. Cervical stenosis can affect the arms, legs, and sometimes balance, while lumbar stenosis typically impacts the buttocks and legs.
Treatment for spinal stenosis varies. In many cases, surgery is not required. For canal stenosis due to arthritis and aging, a laminectomy is often sufficient. For foraminal stenosis caused by a disc herniation, a discectomy may be all that’s needed. In more severe cases, a fusion or intricate spine reconstruction might be necessary.
Stenosis compresses the spinal cord or nerve roots and can lead to myelopathy or neurogenic claudication. For more information, visit these informative resources:
University of Virginia Neurosurgery
UConn Health Spine
Washington University Neurosurgery
Columbia Neurosurgery
OSU Wexner Medical Center
University of Washington Neurosurgery
Hospital for Special Surgery
UW Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine
Columbia Neurosurgery Degenerative Spinal Conditions
