Cervical Stenosis
The neck, or cervical spine, is made up of 7 bones (vertebrae). These bones are separated from each other by a specialized cartilage cushion called an intervertebral disc. As we age, the discs begin to “wear out”, causing them to flatten out like a pancake. When this occurs, the space available for the nerve roots is narrowed, and can cause neck, arm, or shoulder pain, and numbness or weakness in the arm or hand (radiculopathy). Occasionally, the narrowing is so significant that the spinal cord is compressed – this is called myelopathy.
Cervical stenosis is not uncommon. Fortunately, many times the symptoms are tolerable, and sometimes, it doesn’t cause pain at all. Additionally, cervical stenosis is often effectively treated with nonsurgical modalities. However, if surgery is indicated, the vast majority of patients obtain good or excellent outcomes.
The physicians and surgeons at Florida Spine Specialists are experts in treating cervical stenosis. Our priority is providing the best care for our patients, and treatment plans are tailored to each individual’s specific problems and needs.
Cervical stenosis is not uncommon. Fortunately, many times the symptoms are tolerable, and sometimes, it doesn’t cause pain at all. Additionally, cervical stenosis is often effectively treated with nonsurgical modalities. However, if surgery is indicated, the vast majority of patients obtain good or excellent outcomes.
The physicians and surgeons at Florida Spine Specialists are experts in treating cervical stenosis. Our priority is providing the best care for our patients, and treatment plans are tailored to each individual’s specific problems and needs.
Symptoms
Patients with myelopathy can have an array of “strange” symptoms such as problems with balance, difficulty controlling one’s bowels or bladder, and changes in dexterity of the hand (this can manifest as changes in handwriting, problems buttoning one’s shirt, or difficutly finding one’s keys in a pocket or purse). Treatment for cervical stenosis is based on the severity of the patient’s symptoms, as well as the degree and extent of spinal narrowing.
Non-Operative Treatment
For most patients, pain and numbness are the major complaints. Patients may be referred for physical therapy, given prescriptions for medication, or be referred for an epidural steroid injection.
Operative Treatment
If patients fail to improve after a thorough course of non-operative management, a decompression procedure is performed. Depending on how severe the stenosis is, and how many levels are involved, your surgeon may choose to perform the surgery from the front of the neck, back of the neck, or sometimes both. Some common surgeries performed for cervical stenosis are:
- Anterior Cervical Discectomy and
- Fusion (ACDF)
- Cervical Disc Replacement
- Laminoplasty
- Foraminotomy
- Laminectomy and fusion