Cervical spinal stenosis affects the upper section of the spinal column in the area of the neck. It is caused when the spinal canal becomes narrowed as a result of an obstruction, like a bone spur caused by osteoarthritis.? Spinal stenosis can be a disorder that was present at birth, though it is most commonly a result of aging and wear and tear to the spine.
When the spinal cord becomes constricted, it can have an effect on the entire body. The most common symptoms of spinal stenosis include neck pain as well as weakness, numbness and pain in the shoulders and arms. Sometimes symptoms can radiate down to the legs to cause a tingling sensation or a loss of balance.
Before designing a treatment plan, a doctor will have to perform a thorough diagnosis, as the symptoms of cervical spinal stenosis are similar to those of other neck and back problems. A physical examination is performed and is usually accompanied by an X-ray, MRI, or some other diagnostic test.
Treatment for cervical spinal stenosis is similar to that of other spinal stenosis treatments, and usually begins conservatively with exercises to strengthen the neck and back, gentle stretching and rest. Some patients find relief from over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs, however many sufferers try prescription medications or steroid injections, depending on the severity of the pain.
When back and neck pain is debilitating and conservative treatments fail to provide relief, another option is surgery. Fortunately, there are minimally invasive, outpatient procedures available at Laser Spine Institute, offering the benefits of higher success rates, fewer side effects, and shorter recovery times compared to traditional open back surgeries. Laser Spine Institute (LSI) performs revolutionary endoscopic procedures that can have patients on their feet in a few hours and fully recovered in as little as two weeks.
To learn more about how LSI can help you reclaim the active life you were meant to live, contact us today. We can review your MRI or CT scan for free.
