In more severe cases, a doctor might suggest surgery to create some extra space in your spinal canal to lessen the pressure and the pain. Surgery options for cervical spinal stenosis Some people with neck or back pain receive temporary benefits from cervical epidural steroid injections.

This can help relieve pain and inflammation, as well as improve the range of motion in your neck. If your symptoms are mild, a doctor might suggest some over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. In some cases, surgery may be needed, but it’s not usually the first option. Your treatment plan will likely include a variety of approaches, both at home and with a physical therapist. The severity of your stenosis, as well as your symptoms, will determine the type of treatment that a doctor suggests. Treatment options for cervical spinal stenosis This test measures your muscle response and nerve conduction to determine whether the compression is happening in the spine or within an extremity. Tests could include MRI, an X-ray, or a CT scan of your cervical spine or related areas. It can be helpful to keep a journal of your symptoms to help the doctor get a full understanding of how this is affecting your life. Discuss your symptoms, such as pain and tingling or numbness in your extremities. This will test your gait, balance, motor strength, sensation, proprioception, reflexes, and more. A doctor may test your range of mobility and when you feel pain, as well as your overall health. You may also want to talk with your family members to see if a history of these symptoms may run in your family. Make sure to discuss any major illnesses or injuries you may have had in the past. You may suspect that you have cervical spinal stenosis from your symptoms, but a doctor will probably want to collect several types of information and conduct several tests before making a diagnosis: This is why it’s often recommended that those with cervical stenosis also get lumbar imaging done to rule out this tandem condition.ĭiagnosis process for cervical spinal stenosis It’s often overlooked, but some research suggests that it occurs in as many as 60 percent of people with spinal stenosis.

Some people develop a version of spinal stenosis known as tandem spinal stenosis, in which the narrowing of the spinal canal happens in two separate areas, usually the cervical and lumbar regions. Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH).A number of factors can contribute to the development of cervical stenosis, including: Spinal stenosis that occurs in the part of the spine that’s in your neck is called cervical spinal stenosis. Spinal stenosis that develops in the lower back causes a condition called lumbar stenosis, which is the most common kind of spinal stenosis. In some cases, this condition can affect both areas. Spinal stenosis can typically occur in one of two areas: your lower back or your neck.

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