Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spaces within your spine that puts pressure on the nerves that travel through the spine. Cervical stenosis is one of the two types of spinal stenosis. Under this case, the narrowing occurs in the part of the spine in your neck. It is recognized that it is most commonly caused by wear-and-tear changes in the spine related to osteoarthritis. To be specific, causes may include: tumors, spinal injuries, overgrowth of bone, thickened ligaments, herniated disk and bone spurs on spine.
Symptoms:
Some people with spinal stenosis may not have symptoms. Others may experience pain, tingling, numbness and muscle weakness. Symptoms can worsen over time.
In mild cases, people may suffer neck pain, problems with walking and balance, weakness in a hand, arm, foot or leg, bowel or bladder dysfunction (in severe cases). If the nerves are affected, symptoms may also include numbness or tingling in a hand, arm, foot or leg.
Treatment:
Treatment depends on the location of the stenosis and the severity of your signs and symptoms.
Possible medications that your Dr. may prescribe: opioids, pain relievers, antidepressants, anti-seizure drugs. Also, you'll be required to receive physical therapy such as strength and endurance build-up, flexibility and stability of your spine maintenance, balance improvement
If your case is quite acute, then the Dr. may suggest steroid injections or decompression procedure (needle-like instruments, etc)
Sometimes, surgery (space-creating operations) is also a effient way to treat your disease. They may include:
Laminotomy
Laminoplasty
Cervical laminectomy
Removal of rear portion of a vertebra in neck
In addition to the meds, therapies and surgeries above, you can also count on potential future treatments such as the use of stem cells to treat degenerative spinal disease (regenerative medicine) or integrative medicine and alternative therapies such as massage therapy, chiropractic treatment and acupuncture.