What is Cervical Stenosis?
Cervical stenosis happens when the space in the spine is too small for the spinal cord and nerves. This can hurt the spinal cord, which is called myelopathy, or press on the nerves as they leave the spine, known as radiculopathy. Sometimes, both the spinal cord and nerves are affected, which is called myeloradiculopathy.
What are the symptoms of Cervical Stenosis?
Cervical stenosis symptoms happen when the spinal cord and nerves are squeezed. People may feel neck pain, sharp pain in one or both arms, or a tingling feeling that runs down the back when moving the head. Limbs can feel numb, and hands or other limbs may sometimes feel like they are asleep. As the condition gets worse, the arms and hands can become weak and harder to control.
In more serious cases, cervical stenosis can also cause problems with using the bathroom, as well as weakness and numbness in the legs and feet. This weakness and numbness can make walking difficult. Cervical stenosis does not always get worse over time. Many people have mild stenosis and never have symptoms, or their symptoms are so mild they do not need treatment.
If you have severe symptoms that need treatment, we can usually manage them with medication and physical therapy. We will work closely with you and other healthcare providers to find the best treatment plan for your needs.
What causes Cervical Stenosis?
Most often, cervical stenosis happens because of several things that together put too much pressure on the spinal cord, which is when symptoms can start. One reason is having shorter-than-usual bones on the sides of the spinal canal. Another cause is arthritis that wears down the joints and can cause extra bone to grow. Also, a ligament that runs along the top of the spinal canal can get thicker. Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and changes where some ligaments at the bottom of the spinal canal turn into bone can also cause this problem.
What is a diagnosis of Cervical Stenosis?
- Pelvic examination
- Sometimes, doctors perform tests to check for cancer.
They may think cancer is a possibility based on certain symptoms and situations, such as:
- When menstrual periods stop or become painful after surgery on the cervix.
- When they cannot insert a tool into the cervix for another test. This includes taking a tissue sample for a Pap test or an HPV test, known as cervical cytology testing, or taking a sample from the lining of the uterus for an endometrial biopsy.
Healthcare provider can confirm a diagnosis by attempting to insert a probe through the cervix into the uterus and finding it impossible.
When a woman has cervical stenosis along with abnormal vaginal or uterine bleeding, she may undergo tests to rule out cancer. These tests can include cervical cytology testing, such as a Pap smear or HPV test, or an endometrial biopsy.
If the following conditions are met, a woman does not need additional tests:
- She is postmenopausal (her menstrual periods have stopped).
- She has no symptoms and no signs of hematometra or pyometra.
The results of cervical cytology tests are normal.
What is the treatment of Cervical Stenosis?
- Widening of the cervix
Treatment for cervical stenosis is only needed if a woman has symptoms, or has a buildup of blood or pus in the uterus. If treatment is needed, the doctor will gently open the cervix using small, smooth metal rods, starting with the smallest and moving to bigger ones. To help keep the cervix open, doctors can put a small tube in the cervix for 4 to 6 weeks.
Is there an alternative treatment option for Surgery?
If surgery is needed, there are two main types, with some differences. The type of surgery depends on what is causing the stenosis and where it is. One option is surgery from the front of the neck, called anterior cervical fusion. Another option is surgery from the back of the neck, called posterior laminectomy. There is also a way to do spine surgery with smaller cuts.
Why choose Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital for Cervical Stenosis treatment in Lucknow, India?
Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital offers advanced Cervical Stenosis treatment in Lucknow, India, at an affordable cost. We have a team of experienced gynecologists, known as some of the best doctors for women’s reproductive health care. We provide accurate diagnosis with clinical evaluation and imaging, personalized medical management, and minimally invasive surgical treatment when required. Our team has decades of experience in successfully treating Cervical Stenosis in Lucknow, India.
To seek an Expert Consultation for Cervical Stenosis treatment in Lucknow, India:
Call us at +91-9076972161
Email at care@tenderpalm.com
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