Cervical canal stenosis or the narrowing of the spinal canal in the upper section of the spine is a common degenerative spinal condition. As part of the natural aging process, the spinal canal narrows and eventually may compress a spinal nerve or the spinal cord itself. It is nerve compression that causes pain and other symptoms such as tingling, weakness, and numbness; not spinal stenosis itself. This distinction is important. Spinal stenosis by itself is asymptomatic. Every aging spinal canal is likely narrower than it was when it was younger. Nerve compression is the key to symptom generation.
Treatment options
Cervical spinal canal stenosis symptoms can usually be treated with conservative, nonsurgical methods. Irrespective of whether symptoms include neck pain, headaches, tingling or numbness in your arms or fingers, or any other related symptoms, a physician should first formulate a conservative treatment program. Conservative treatment includes physical therapy, stretching, exercise, hot/cold therapy, pain medications, and others. For many patients, these treatments are sufficient to manage their symptoms. Some individuals, however, fail conservative treatment and must turn to elective surgery.
Minimally invasive alternatives
If conservative treatment of symptoms has failed, and surgical treatment has been suggested, contact Laser Spine Institute today. Our orthopedic expert surgeons perform a variety of safe and effective minimally invasive, endoscopic outpatient procedures rather than traditional open back surgery. Tens of thousands of patients have trusted our innovative procedures to help them receive corrective treatment while avoiding most negative aspects of traditional open spinal surgery.
