What Is Cervical Stenosis?

Cervical stenosis is a narrowing of the space between vertebrae (bones) in your back or a narrowing of the spinal canal. This can result in pressure on your spinal cord or on the nerves that go from your spinal cord to your muscles, resulting in a variety of symptoms.

Below are descriptions of two common cervical stenoses and how they are treated: Intervertebral Foramen Stenosis and Spinal Canal Stenosis.

What Is Intervertebral Foramen Stenosis?

The intervertebral foramen is the space between vertebrae in your back where the nerve root exits the spinal canal to reach the rest of your body. This type of stenosis is often caused by arthritis or by the presence of bone spurs along the spine. In either case, this results in compression of the nerve root which causes pain.

What are Symptoms of Intervertebral Foramen Stenosis?

Patients often experience chronic, recurring pain in the upper limbs.

If you have symptoms of intervertebral foramen stenosis, book an appointment online with Prof. Pier Paolo Maria Menchetti at UPMC Salvator Mundi International Hospital for a diagnosis and treatment options.

How is Intervertebral Foramen Stenosis Diagnosed?

Your spine specialist may begin with an MRI or CT Scan. They also may order an EMG to assess muscle strength.

How is Intervertebral Foramen Stenosis Treated?

Your specialist may begin with a course of anti-inflammatory drugs and physical therapy. They also may ask you to wear a cervical collar.

Should you not find relief, your specialist may recommend surgery. This may mean removal of the damaged disc and any bone spurs along the spinal canal, and placement of a small piece of bone substitute or other substance between the vertebrae to promote healing.

What Is Spinal Canal Stenosis?

Spinal canal stenosis is often the result of arthritis, bone spurs along the spine, or a bulge (not a full hernia) of the disc. In any of these cases, these conditions narrow the canal and compress the spinal cord.

What are Symptoms of Spinal Canal Stenosis?

Difficultly walking or a spastic gait, trouble moving one or both arms, numbness in one or both arms, and a decrease in bladder control are often symptoms of spinal canal stenosis. Some patients may not have any symptoms.

If you have symptoms of spinal canal stenosis, book an appointment online with Prof. Pier Paolo Maria Menchetti at UPMC Salvator Mundi International Hospital for a diagnosis and treatment options.

How is Spinal Canal Stenosis Diagnosed?

Your spine specialist may order an X-ray to confirm arthritis and bone spurs along the spinal column. They also may order an MRI to determine any narrowing of the spinal canal or softening of the vertebrae. Additionally, they also may order an EMG to assess muscle strength.

How is Spinal Canal Stenosis Treated?

Patients without symptoms simply requiring monitoring by their spine specialist.

For those with pain or other symptoms, a procedure to relieve the narrowing or compression is necessary. The goal of this procedure to relieve the pressure and prevent further damage to the spinal canal. Depending on the location of the compression, the procedure will vary. Spine surgeons will remove the damaged disc and bone spurs and in some cases, they will place a small piece of bone substitute or other substance to promote healing.

Closed or minimally invasive surgery may be an option is some cases. Here, two small incisions are made through which spacers are placed to decompress the nerve root and stabilize the joint. Surgeons may also place a small piece of bone substitute or other substance promote healing.

Spine Center at UPMC Salvator Mundi International Hospital

The Spine Center at UPMC Salvator Mundi International Hospital is an innovative and multispecialty center for the diagnosis and treatment of spine disorders and diseases. For a diagnosis and treatment options, book an appointment online today with Prof. Pier Paolo Maria Menchetti.