Cervical spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the space around the spinal cord in the neck. The spinal cord runs through a hollow space in the bones of the spine (vertebrae) called the spinal canal. Narrowing of the spinal canal is called cervical spinal canal stenosis or central stenosis.
Spinal nerves also leave the spinal cord through openings called foramen to go to other parts of the body. Narrowing of the foramen is called cervical foraminal stenosis.
Cause of Cervical Spinal Stenosis
The most common cause of cervical spinal stenosis is disc degeneration with age. Gel-like discs separate the vertebrae. These discs lose much of their water content and some of their shock-absorbing ability with age. These changes lead to disc collapse, which makes the space between the vertebrae smaller and affects the alignment of the facet joints in the back of the spine.
Changes in facet joint alignment creates abnormal pressure that causes osteoarthritis of the facet joints. Bone spurs may form around the disc and facet joints, including around the nerves of the spine, causing spinal stenosis.
Cervical Spinal Stenosis Symptoms
Mild spinal stenosis may produce no symptoms; however, compression of the spinal cord or nerves can cause the following:
- neck or shoulder pain
- arm or hand pain
- weakness in the arms or legs
- lack of coordination and clumsiness
- imbalance when walking
- loss of bowel or bladder control
Cervical spine stenosis can lead to either cervical myelopathy or cervical radiculopathy. Cervical radiculopathy (also called a pinched nerve) is irritation of the nerve root as it leaves the spinal cord. The exact location of the symptoms (including pain, weakness, numbness, or tingling) in the area of the shoulder, arm, or hand depends on which nerve is pinched.
Cervical myelopathy is spinal cord compression that can cause weakness in the muscles of the arms, hands, and legs. A person may also experience balance and coordination problems or loss of bowel and bladder control. Cervical myelopathy is a potentially serious condition that requires prompt treatment because long-term pressure on the spinal cord may cause permanent injury and disability.
Cervical Spinal Stenosis Treatment
Initial treatment for cervical stenosis may include
- immobilization
- traction
- physical therapy, which may include exercises, massage, mobilization, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, ice, or heat
- medications (analgesics, NSAIDs, muscle relaxants)
- chiropractic, acupuncture, or osteopathy
In severe cases, corticosteroid injections can help reduce swelling and pain. However, injections usually only provide temporary relief and are not recommended repeatedly because of potential side effects, including the breakdown of surrounding tissue.
If symptoms do not improve within six to eight weeks, surgery may be considered. Also, surgery is usually the recommended treatment for advanced cervical myelopathy. Various types of surgery are available, depending on the nature of an individual's condition, with the purpose of relieving the pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.
For more information, see the University of Maryland Spine Program's A Patient's Guide to Cervical Spinal Stenosis or get information on lumbar spinal stenosis.
Other Sources
Neurosurgerytoday.org, "Cervical Spine," (accessed April 19, 2010).
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, "Spinal Stenosis," (accessed April 19, 2010).
Carol Wiley - Carol Wiley is a technical writer turned licensed massage therapist turned freelance writer. Visit her freelance writing site or Massage ...
