Cervical Spinal Stenosis
(Myelopathy)
Narrowing of the spinal canal in the cervical region puts pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots. Symptoms may include neck and shoulder pain, numbness and loss of dexterity in the hands (difficulty buttoning, impaired handwriting), imbalance, and difficulty walking.
The goal of treatment is to reduce spinal cord and nerve compression.
What are the stages of treatment?
Surgical Treatment
Surgery is recommended if spinal cord compression and neurological findings are significant. An anterior approach can be used to remove the disc/calcification and perform fusion, or a posterior approach can be used to widen the spinal canal. With the appropriate technique, nerve tissue is relieved and progressive damage is prevented.
Non-Surgical Treatment
In early and mild cases, pain control, neck exercises, lifestyle modifications, and physical therapy may be planned. Close monitoring is important to ensure that surgery is initiated without delay if neurological symptoms develop.
