Cervical stenosis is a condition in which the spinal canal narrows, potentially damaging the spinal cord (a condition known as myelopathy) or pinching the nerves as they exit the spinal canal (radiculopathy). This narrowing, particularly in the neck or cervical region, can affect the arms, legs, and even balance. Conversely, lumbar stenosis, which occurs in the lower back, generally affects the buttocks and legs, often making standing or walking painful. This lower back issue is a primary cause of sciatica due to the pressure it can exert on the sciatic nerve.
Cervical stenosis often presents in individuals over the age of 50 and can be a result of various conditions, including ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament and cervical spondylotic myelopathy. Treatments like cervical laminoplasty are commonly performed for central spinal stenosis. Moreover, procedures such as foraminectomy are undertaken to relieve pressure from foraminal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, spondylosis, herniated discs, or pinched nerves.
Spinal stenosis can present at any spine level, though it is most prevalent in the cervical and lumbar areas. The signs and symptoms of cervical and lumbar stenosis are typically specific to the compression level.
Cervical stenosis, the narrowing of the vertebral canal in the neck, is a prevalent cause of neck pain, especially in the elderly. Despite not manifesting symptoms, up to 26% of people over the age of 64 may have cervical stenosis. For further information, visit the following resources:
University of Virginia Neurosurgery,
Hospital for Special Surgery,
UConn Health Spine,
Northwell Health Orthopaedic Institute,
The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center,
Hospital for Special Surgery Spine Surgery,
UTHealth Houston Neurosciences,
University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Neurosurgery, and
Baylor College of Medicine Spine Center.
