Spinal stenosis in the neck is less frequently diagnosed than lumbar (lower back) spinal stenosis. However, the seriousness of spinal stenosis can vary greatly when it affects the neck, or cervical region of the spine. In general, there may be more medical concern when spinal stenosis – or the narrowing of nerve passageways in the spinal canal – occurs in the neck, as this region is relatively narrow to begin with. Additionally, the spinal cord – the complex conduit that facilitates essential communication between the body and the brain – runs completely through this segment, unlike the lumbar spine, where the spinal cord ends around the second of five lumbar vertebrae. This makes the neck a rather precarious location for spinal stenosis, as the spinal cord is highly sensitive and damage to it can cause serious health conditions.

What Causes Narrowing?

Narrowing of nerve passageways in the upper spinal column can be caused by a number of anatomical abnormalities, such as bulging and herniated discs, thickened and calcified ligaments, or traumatic injury. However, the majority of spinal stenosis cases result from osteoarthritis, a degenerative condition that affects the facet joints. Over time, the cartilage that lines the facet joints can wear away and the raw bones can grind together. This may lead to the buildup of osteophytes, or bone spurs, which are growths of excess bone material formed as the body attempts to correct spinal instability. Bone spurs are a common cause of spinal stenosis, particularly because they can form near the joints and within the spinal canal. The growths may then impinge, or compress, the spinal cord or a nerve root.

What Symptoms Could Occur with Spinal Stenosis in the Neck?

If the spinal cord or a nerve root – and possibly the neural blood supply – is compressed in the neck, symptoms could include:

– Neck pain

– Abnormal reflexes in the upper body

– Muscles spasms and weakness in the neck, shoulders, arms and/or hands

– Numbness in the arms

– Tingling in the shoulders, arms, and/or hands

In rare, very severe cases, paralysis could affect the legs or all four limbs, though this is usually only in cases where a neural structure has been seriously pinched for an extended period of time without treatment.

Is Surgery Always Needed?

Patients with spinal stenosis in the neck can rest assured that, in most cases, the condition does not require surgery and can be treated effectively with conservative (nonsurgical) treatments. Common treatments include prescription or over-the-counter analgesics or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), physical therapy, gentle stretching, low-impact exercise, corticosteroid injections, TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation), and hot/cold compresses, among others. Spinal stenosis surgery is typically reserved for patients who do not respond to conservative treatments and are experiencing debilitating symptoms for several months. If you are considering surgery, be sure to research all of the options that are available to you, as surgical techniques can vary greatly and carry different sets of risks and benefits. You should also consult with more than one doctor regarding the option of surgery so that you can get a variety of opinions about the best way to treat your particular condition.

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.

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 other spinal conditions. http://www.laserspineinstitute.com/back_problems/spinal_stenosis

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