Spinal stenosis in the neck is the narrowing, or constricting, of the openings found in the cervical (upper) region of the spine. The top of the spinal cord passes through one of these passageways, the vertebral foramen, which is formed by “rings” composed of the arches and bodies of stacked vertebrae. Cervical nerve roots exit the spinal column through other openings on either side of the vertebrae; these openings are known as foramina.

The cervical region is the second-most common site for spinal stenosis to occur, behind the lumbar (lower back) region. Both of these regions of the spine are extremely flexible, which exposes them to stress-inducing movement. In addition, both are responsible for bearing a great deal of weight. This combination of movement and weight-bearing function make the cervical region vulnerable to degenerative spine conditions such as osteoarthritis and degenerative disc disease, which can lead to spinal stenosis in the neck.

How Degenerative Spine Conditions Cause Stenosis

Spinal stenosis in the neck can be caused by a number of contributing anatomical anomalies associated with degenerative spine conditions, including bulging discs, herniated discs, and bone spurs (osteophytes). For example, osteophytes are the body’s response to diminished spinal stability caused by the wearing down of the cartilage that lines the vertebral joints (as with spinal osteoarthritis). Bone spurs are smooth, bony protrusions that form along the edges of existing bone, including the vertebral arches (which surround the spinal cord) or the insides of the foramina (which surround nerve roots). As a result, the spinal cord and/or adjacent nerve roots are afforded less space than normal.

Herniated discs and bulging discs form as a result of the deterioration of the intervertebral discs, which are the sponge-like cushions between the vertebrae. A bulging disc means that the fibrous outer wall has been forced out of its normal boundary, while a disc herniation means the gel-like nucleus material of a disc has leaked through a tear in the outer wall.

Another condition associated with spinal deterioration is spondylolisthesis, which occurs when one vertebra slips out of place and slides over the one below it. Naturally, slippage of this sort will serve to diminish the area available for the spinal cord or nearby nerve roots.

Risk Factors for Spinal Stenosis in the Neck

Nearly everyone experiences some level of spinal deterioration as they grow older, but not everyone develops symptomatic spinal stenosis in the neck. Some people are more susceptible to the condition, based on a number of risk factors. These include genetics, overall health, and – perhaps most important – poor posture habits. Years of sitting slumped over, with shoulders stooped and the head tilted forward, places excess stress on the anatomy of the cervical spine. In addition, people who participate in contact sports such as football or hockey while young are considered to be more at risk for developing cervical spinal stenosis as they approach middle age. Other risk factors include smoking, alcohol abuse, obesity, a history of injuries, and age. People who are 50 or older are more likely to experience the anatomical deterioration associated with spinal stenosis in the neck and lower back.

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: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: Spinal Stenosis