What is cervical spinal stenosis?

The term cervical spinal stenosis refers to the variety of symptoms that can occur from narrowing of the spinal canal in the neck. These may be a result of aging, injury, or degeneration.

The spinal canal is a long tunnel running along the middle of the spine. The canal sits immediately behind the bony blocks or veterbrae that make up the spine. The canal contains the spinal cord and nerve roots. In cervical canal stenosis, when the spinal canal is narrowed, the spinal cord and nerve roots can be compressed.

The spinal nerves, or 'nerve roots', exit the cervical spinal canal through the intervertebral foraminae. These nerves then proceed to the arms, taking control of the sensation and movement of limbs. Compression of the nerve root is possible when the intervertebral foraminae become narrow. This condition is termed cervical foraminal stenosis.

What are the symptoms of spinal stenosis?

Symptoms of spinal stenosis typically worsen with time as the nerves become compressed.

If you have spinal stenosis, you will experience several symptoms, including:

• Weakness in your legs or arms
• Numbness in your legs or buttocks
• Pain in your lower back that is worse when you stand or walk
• Impaired balance

Sitting down on a chair generally reduces such symptoms. You will, however get them back once you stand or walk.

What causes spinal stenosis?

There are many causes of spinal stenosis. So many different changes or injuries in your spine can lead to a narrowing of your spinal canal. A leading cause is categorized into two groups:

• Acquired (developing after birth).
• Congenital (from birth).

The most common cause of acquired spinal stenosis is the changes associated with aging, known as "wear and tear."

What are the complications of spinal stenosis?

Due to spinal stenosis, there can be incontinence of the bowels or bladder. Other nerve disorders like erectile dysfunction or anorgasmia can result in sexual dysfunction.

If spinal stenosis is very rare, it may lead to extreme cases of paralysis of the legs.

How do healthcare providers diagnose spinal stenosis?

When you have symptoms of spinal stenosis, a doctor will typically start by taking your medical history, doing a physical examination, and observing your movement.

Probably, the doctor will refer to tests that may determine if you have stenosis or some other condition causing your symptoms. These tests may include the following:

• X-ray, CT scan, or MRI of your spine.
• An electromyogram to monitor the state of your spinal nerves.
• Any bone scan in a bid to rule out the occurrence of fractures or other growths in your spine.

What are the treatments for spinal stenosis?

Treatment for spinal stenosis depends on your symptoms. It can also include the following:

• Oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs controls pain.
• Oral corticosteroids for a couple of days will reduce inflammation.
• Cortisone injection that will minimize swelling within your spine.

• Muscle stretching and strengthen.
• Oral corticosteroids for a short period will reduce inflammation. 
• Cortisone injection to help minimize swelling within your spine.
• Physical therapy to stretch and strengthen the muscles. 
• Other medicines depend on the nerve pain.

If the weakness or pain is acute, your doctor may insist you have surgery in case the conditions persist despite other treatments. However, most patients can adequately respond to their condition through nonsurgical treatments. 

Home care for spinal stenosis

You may get some relief from your symptoms with one or more of these home remedies and complementary therapies:

• Heat therapy employs heat from a heating pad, warm towel, and warm bath to relax stiff muscles.
• Ice or cold pack application to swollen areas to decrease swelling and pain
• Yoga
• Massage
• Acupuncture

Exercise and physiotherapy for spinal stenosis

For people with spinal stenosis, physical activity can help regulate the condition. Exercise you do yourself can support physical therapy.

First, ensure your workout at home is safe by consulting a doctor or physical therapist.

Some examples of possible activities may include:

• Short bouts of walking
• Swimming
• Some of the yoga poses, such as child's pose or cat-cow
• Some of the adapted exercises you learned in physical therapy
• using a stationary bike

Surgery for spinal stenosis

People with such severe pain and weakness that are not relieved by other treatments might require surgical intervention. A provider might consider surgery if your symptoms are interfering with the following:

• Walking
• Controlling your bowel or bladder
• Some of your other activities of daily living

There are various surgical procedures to address spinal stenosis:

• Laminectomy: A laminectomy is the most common surgical procedure done in patients with spinal stenosis. The surgeon removes part of the vertebrae, which creates more room in the nerve space.
• Foraminotomy: Foraminotomy widens the nerve outlet foramen of the spine.
• Spinal fusion: This is usually performed when the condition is severe and involves more than one level of the spine. The surgeon joins the spine bones using bone grafts or metallic implants.

Can I prevent spinal stenosis?

Most spinal stenosis causes are age-related "wear and tear," so it can't be prevented. But specific measures can protect your spine. They may lower your chance of developing spinal stenosis or its progression. Steps include: 

• Keep your bones strong with enough calcium.
• Maintaining a healthy weight.
• Avoiding or quitting smoking. Smoking damages the arteries, makes back pain worse, and impairs healing from injury.
• Practicing posture.
• Flexibility in back muscles and strong muscles for the core will help you keep your spine healthy.

What is the prognosis for spinal stenosis?

The prognosis varies significantly based on many factors, including:

• Its location.
• The severity.
• General health.

Most patients with spinal stenosis have a positive prognosis. Many spinal stenosis sufferers can live active lives without surgery. However, spinal stenosis is different for everyone; thus, no given treatment works for everyone.

When should I see my doctor?

Consult your doctor if you have new back pain, tingling, or weakness.

If treatment of spinal stenosis is not effective, consult your doctor for other possible treatments.

Why Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital for cervical spinal stenosis?

Tender Palm Hospital, owned by doctors, is renowned for attracting the most experienced professional in the country, with the finest neurologist and neurosurgeons specialized in central cervical spinal stenosis. Tender Palm stands out as the premier Neurology hospital in Lucknow, India. Boasting cutting-edge infrastructure and advanced technology, Tender Palm ensures top-notch medical care for its patients.

To seek an expert consultation for any Neurology condition

Call us at +91-9076972161
Email at care@tenderpalm.com

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