The narrowing of the spinal canal is referred to as spinal stenosis. Neck pain may arise if the condition develops in the cervical (top) region of the spine and causes the compression of the spinal cord or a nerve root. Pain may manifest directly at the site of compression and additional symptoms of tingling, muscle weakness, pain, and numbness may radiate down the shoulders and into the arms and hands. Headaches may also occur. If the spinal cord itself is compressed due to cervical spinal stenosis, there is a small chance for paralysis or severe body weakness.

Causes

Spinal stenosis in the neck can be caused by a variety of spinal conditions or other health issues. Usually, the condition is a result of age and the normal degenerative processes that take place in the spinal column over time. Additionally, much like the lumbar (lower back) region of the spine, the cervical spine is highly mobile and more susceptible to wear and tear that can lead to spinal narrowing. Other cervical spinal stenosis causes might include:

– Thickened ligaments – These tough bands of connective tissue can thicken and calcify over time, and may protrude into the normal space of the spinal canal.

– Degenerative disc disease – Intervertebral discs dehydrate and weaken in adulthood, which increases the possibility of developing a herniated or bulging disc. If disc material expands past its normal space, it can compress the spinal cord or a nearby nerve root.

– Traumatic injury – Bone fragments or vertebral shifting can block the cervical spinal canal.

– Osteoarthritis – Arthritis in the spine may cause osteophytes, or bone spurs, to develop. These bony growths may project into the spinal canal.

Treatments

A doctor may initially recommend conservative, non-invasive treatments to help alleviate the symptoms associated with spinal stenosis in the neck. Some of these methods might include pain medication, physical therapy, hot compresses, cold compresses, and bracing. Surgery to treat cervical spinal stenosis may only be necessary in severe cases of nerve compression and when conservative treatments fail to provide relief.

In Conclusion

The most common cause of spinal stenosis is age-related degeneration of the spine. Therefore, as you age, it’s quite possible that spinal stenosis symptoms can worsen. And, even though you may have first been diagnosed with spinal stenosis in the neck, as time goes on the condition could spread to other parts of the spine such as the thoracic (middle) spine or lumbar (lower) spine.

Whether the condition is located in your neck, middle back, or lower back, there are several conservative treatments that can address your spinal stenosis symptoms. Many patients have successfully treated their spinal stenosis through anti-inflammatory medications, pain medications, physical therapy, stretching, proper posture techniques, and periods of rest. For moderate to severe pain, injections of medication can be administered by a doctor directly into the area(s) of the spine causing the discomfort. Spinal injections can provide patients with weeks or even months of pain relief.

In rare cases, spinal stenosis in the lumbar (lower) spine can lead to a condition called cauda equina syndrome, which is the compression of the cauda equina (a bundle of nerve fibers that extends off the bottom of the spinal cord). Cauda equina syndrome could lead to permanent paralysis and incontinence, so emergency surgery is required. If you experience a loss of urinary or bowel control or difficulty walking, go to the emergency room immediately.

Author Bio: Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute specializes in safe and effective outpatient procedures for spinal stenosis and several other spinal conditions.

Category: Medical Business
Keywords: Spinal stenosis