Many people suffer from neck pain on a regular basis. From sitting all day and staring at our work computers to looking down constantly at our phones, there are countless reasons for a sore neck. One possible reason for consistent neck and upper back pain is cervical spinal stenosis. This condition occurs when the spinal canal narrows, adding pressure to the spinal cord and nerves. There are treatment options that provide temporary relief, but specialized surgery is often the only way to reduce the pressure being put on the spinal cord.
Cervical spinal stenosis may not present any symptoms when the condition is in its early stages. Unfortunately, pain in the neck and upper back will develop and worsen as the condition progresses. If you are struggling with cervical spinal stenosis, do not hesitate to reach out for help. The experienced surgeons and physicians at NJ Spine & Orthopedic can develop a personalized treatment plan for your cervical spinal stenosis.
What Is Cervical Spinal Stenosis and What Are the Symptoms?
Spinal stenosis can occur in the lower back or the upper back and neck region. When a person experiences spinal stenosis around the upper back and neck, it is referred to as cervical spinal stenosis. This condition develops when the spinal canal has narrowed, and there is pressure on the spinal cord. Aging is the most common cause of cervical spinal stenosis because the discs in a person’s cervical spine will degenerate naturally over time. Additional causes of cervical spinal stenosis include:
- Bone spurs caused by arthritis
- Herniated discs
- Scoliosis
- Injury to the spine
- Spinal tumors
A person suffering from cervical spinal stenosis may not notice any symptoms at first. The early stages of the condition are often symptomless; however, several symptoms commonly develop as the condition progresses. For example, patients often suffer from neck pain, numbness, and tingling or weakness that has traveled to the arms and hands. Many of these symptoms could be attributed to other conditions, which is why you should see a trusted medical professional who can correctly diagnose you with cervical spinal stenosis.
What Are the Treatments for Cervical Spinal Stenosis?
There are several treatment options that can provide relief for cervical spinal stenosis pain. These treatments are meant to address the symptoms of cervical spinal stenosis, but the only way to correct the source of the symptoms is through specialized surgery.
As for non-surgical treatment options, your doctor may recommend anti-inflammatory pain medications, physical therapy, neck immobilization, or steroid injections. If your case of cervical spinal stenosis is still in the early stages, non-surgical treatments may provide the relief you need. On the other hand, if you find that your neck pain and other symptoms persist or worsen, your doctor may recommend surgery.
While non-surgical treatments are often aimed at remediating pain, the benefit of specialized surgery is that it will correct the narrowed spinal canal that is pressuring the spinal cord. The specific procedures used to treat cervical spinal stenosis include a laminectomy and a laminoforaminotomy. In a laminectomy, part of the spinal bone is removed to increase space around the affected nerves. On the other hand, the incision used in a laminoforaminotomy is much smaller, which allows for a quicker recovery. A skilled surgeon will be able to recommend which treatment you need for your cervical spinal stenosis.
Trust the Skilled Surgeons at NJ Spine & Orthopedic to Treat Your Cervical Spinal Stenosis Today
Living with neck pain due to cervical spinal stenosis is a tough burden to bear. Luckily, there are treatments available to relieve the pain temporarily. If you desire to correct the root of your pain starting at the narrowed spinal canal, you should ask a doctor about having a laminectomy or a minimally invasive laminoforaminotomy. Our award-winning surgeons deliver excellent patient care, and they want to help you find relief from your cervical spinal stenosis today.
At NJ Spine & Orthopedic, our experienced team of surgeons, doctors, and medical staff are ready to assist you. We also have a Concierge Team that can help you with the appointment planning process. If you suffer from cervical spinal stenosis, you deserve a treatment plan that will relieve your pain. Do not hesitate to contact us today by filling out our contact form or by calling (866) 553-0612.