PrintSpinal Stenosis in the Neck
Spinal stenosis in the neck is a narrowing of the spine somewhere in the C1–C7 vertebrae. This narrowing can be caused by any of the following protruding into the spinal canal or foramen: bulging or herniated disc tissue, a bone spur, swollen ligaments, and more. When the constriction becomes severe enough, the imposing tissue or bone can impinge upon nearby nerve roots or the spinal cord itself, causing symptoms in the neck, upper back, and arms.
Symptoms of spinal stenosis in the neck include:
- Pain
- Numbness
- Muscle spasms
- Weakness
- Headaches
While most cases do not produce any symptoms, the incidences of spinal stenosis in the neck that do result in symptoms can be excruciating and can significantly reduce the sufferer's quality of life. Thankfully, there are many effective treatments that can make living with the condition bearable.
Treatments for Spinal Stenosis in the Neck
Treatments for spinal stenosis include:
- Cortisone injections in the neck
- Rest
- Exercise
- Stretching
- Pain medications
- Anti inflammatory medications
- Hot and cold compression therapy
In addition to the treatments listed above, spinal stenosis and its symptoms can be treated using surgical methods. However, this is saved for only the most severe cases in which the sufferer simply cannot find relief with normal treatment methods. Surgical treatment of the condition includes open neck surgery as well as alternative endoscopic procedures. Endoscopic, or minimally invasive, procedures offer relief from the pain and other symptoms of spinal stenosis without the use of general anesthesia, a hospital stay, a long incision, or a lengthy recovery.