The spine is a crucial part of the body that runs from the base of your skull to your buttocks. It comprises bones, intervertebral discs, nerves, and ligaments, all encasing the spinal cord.
Spinal stenosis is one of the many problems that affect the spine. It occurs when the space around the spinal cord or nerve roots narrows. The narrowing compresses and irritates the spinal cord or nerves, causing pain and other bothersome symptoms.
Cervical spinal stenosis occurs when one of the seven vertebrae in the cervical spine or neck narrows. If you're experiencing pain, tingling, or numbness, Dr. Sachi Patel and the Delmarva Pain and Spine Center team have the tools to help.
Dr. Patel is a pain management specialist who offers conservative and surgical procedures to eliminate cervical spinal stenosis pain.
Narrowing of the spinal canal doesn't happen overnight; it typically results from long-term wear and tear on the spine. Acquired cervical spinal stenosis is the most prevalent form of the condition, occurring throughout one's lifetime as the spine ages.
Injuries and certain other spinal conditions put you at risk for cervical spinal stenosis. Broken vertebrae and chronic inflammation in the spine are common causes of cervical spinal stenosis.
Degenerative spinal stenosis typically happens to people over 50 due to changes in the spine. Issues like thickened ligaments, herniated or bulging discs, and osteoarthritis sometimes lead to cervical spinal stenosis.
In rare cases, spinal stenosis is congenital, meaning it happens at birth. This is uncommon but can occur with specific genetic mutations.
You may not notice the signs of cervical spinal stenosis until it's progressed. In the early stages, you may feel neck pain or occasional tingling in your arms or hands.
As the condition progresses, you may notice more severe symptoms that last longer and are more challenging to eliminate. The prevalent symptoms of cervical spinal stenosis include:
The symptoms occur below the nerve that the spine is compressing. You may only feel pain, tingling, or numbness down one side, but it can occur on both sides. The longer you go without treatment, the worse the symptoms become.
In many cases, conservative treatments are enough to ease pain and other symptoms associated with cervical spinal stenosis. These treatments may delay or even prevent surgery down the road.
Dr. Patel offers various nonsurgical treatments for pain associated with cervical spinal stenosis, including:
You can also try home measures to alleviate cervical spinal stenosis symptoms, including rest, massage, and ice or heat. Stretching, regular physical activity, and a healthy diet are also essential in managing symptoms.
Surgery is usually a last resort because it's invasive and requires anesthesia and a longer recovery time. However, it's an option for people who've tried conservative measures without significant relief of symptoms.
Dr. Patel usually exhausts all other options before discussing surgical procedures. But if your symptoms interfere with your normal activities and you haven't found relief with nonsurgical measures, you may be a good candidate.
She offers some procedures that decrease pain without actual spinal surgery. You could be a candidate for an implanted spinal cord stimulator to help with neuropathy and pain or the cutting-edge Superion procedure by Vertiflex.
Before deciding on a surgical option, Dr. Patel discusses the pros, cons, and risks to ensure you know what to expect.
To find out more about our cervical spinal stenosis treatments, call our office in Newark, Delaware, today to schedule an appointment or request a consultation with Dr. Patel on our website.
