Cervical stenosis is the narrowing of the spinal canal in the neck.
The spinal canal is the open part of the bones (vertebrae) that make up the spine. The spinal cord is a collection of nerves that run through the spinal canal from the base of the brain to the lower back. These nerves allow us to feel, move and control our bowels, bladder and other body functions.
The seven vertebrae between the head and chest make up the cervical spine. When there is stenosis of the cervical spine, the spinal canal narrows and can compress the nerve roots where they leave the spinal cord, or compress or damage the spinal cord itself.
Compression of the nerves and spinal cord in the cervical spine can change the way the spinal cord works and cause pain, stiffness, numbness or weakness in the neck, arms and legs. It can also affect your bowel and bladder control.
What causes cervical stenosis?
Cervical spinal stenosis results from degeneration of the cervical spine. As we age, the discs lose some of the water they contain. This reduces the ability to absorb shock and leaves room for tears in the outer rings of the discs, resulting in the creation of scar tissue.
If this process continues, the discs can become compressed and bone spurs can form. When bone spurs form on the nerves of the spine, it is called spinal stenosis.
What are the symptoms of cervical stenosis?
- Cervical pain
- Numbness or tingling in the arm, hand, leg or foot (symptoms can be felt anywhere below the point of nerve compression)
- Weakness or clumsiness in the arm, hand, leg or foot.
- Problems with balance.
- Loss of function in the hands
- Loss of bladder or bowel control (in more severe cases)
