Cervical Stenosis | Treatment | Orthopedic Associates in Boise

What Is Cervical Stenosis?

Cervical Stenosis is the leading cause of pain in the neck, primarily in elderly patients. Spinal stenosis itself is the shrinking of a spinal canal in the upper spine and neck region.

The shrinking parts cause pressure to the nerves around the neck as well as spinal cord. It can be utterly painful.

What Are The Risk Factors For Cervical Stenosis?

Generally, patients affected by C-Spine Stenosis may or may not have had previous trauma to the neck. Other patients have this narrowing at birth. Most commonly, patients over 50 years are affected due to wear and tear of their spine.

Symptoms of Cervical Stenosis include:

Neck pain, though not severe at times
Pain, numbness, or weakness in the arms, shoulder, and legs
Balance and gait problems
Bowel and bladder problems in most severe cases
Hands become clumsy
Burning sensations, sometimes tingling, or needles and pins in the arms or legs
Severe cases may lead to paraplegia or even function loss, but this is rare

When Is Cervical Stenosis Surgery Recommended?

Most Cervical Stenosis cases have been treated successfully with non-surgical measures such as anti-inflammatory and pain medications.

Some patients might need to wear a neck or cervical collar and also have a restriction of their activities. Physical therapy is recommended to help stabilize and strengthen the neck, to increase flexibility and build endurance. If the non-surgical techniques don't work, your doctor may prescribe surgery to treat your stenosis.

Dr. Doerr Orthopedic Surgeon

What Are the Types of Cervical Disc Problems?

Numerous surgical techniques can treat this condition. The primary goal is widening the spinal canal as well as reducing pressure on the nerves and spinal cord by trimming or removing the main structures causing compression. Your surgeon should discuss the best procedure for you since there are risks involved.

Decompressive Laminectomy

What is a Decompressive Laminectomy?

This is a commonly used surgery to treat the cervical spinal stenosis. In this process, the vertebrae's roof is removed thus creating space for the nerve.

Posterior Laminoplasty

What Is a Posterior Laminoplasty?

This type of surgery is performed to help in retain stability of the spine as well as an expansion of the spinal cord.

Discectomy

What is a Discectomy?

Any bulging or herniated discs may be removed as well to increase space in the canal by a process known as discectomy. This is usually performed by going through the front of the neck.

Spinal Fusion

What is Spinal Fusion?

In addition to decompressive surgery, a spinal fusion may be done for patients with spinal instability, those who have the spine decompressed from the front of the neck, or those who require surgical repair more than once. It involves, taking a piece of bone mostly from the breastbone or donated bone and grafting it in the spine. Screws and metal plates are usually used to support the spine as well as provide additional stability.

Recoveriy and Habilitation

Most patients get out of the bed the same day after surgery. Activities can increase slowly and patients generally return home the day after the procedure, depending on the extent of the surgery. Pain medications are prescribed by the doctor.

At home, enough rest is recommended. The doctor will instruct you to increase activities gradually while taking pain medication

Information contained in this site relates to medical topics and issues; however, no information in the site should be construed as medical advice. All questions regarding your health or possible health problems should be directed to your physician. Orthopaedic Associates does not guarantee medical recovery or the successful outcomes described in this website.

Conclusion

Cervical spinal stenosis is treatable. Do not suffer in pain when the solution is available. Visit your doctor to discuss all the options before deciding the procedure that's best for you.

Orthopedic Specialists

Jeffrey Hessing, MD and Timothy Doerr, MD have a passion for helping others. They have a combined 50 years of orthopedic excellence dedicated to the people of the Boise area. All of our surgeons are board certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery.

Dr. Doerr

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