What is cervical spinal stinosis ?

Answer 1

Cervical spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the spinal canal in the neck. The spinal canal is the open area in the bones (vertebrae) that make up the spinal column . The spinal cord is a collection of nerves that runs through the spinal canal from the base of the brain to the lower back. These nerves allow us to feel, to move, and to control the bowel and bladder and other body functions. In cervical spinal stenosis, the spinal canal narrows and can squeeze and compress the nerve roots where they leave the spinal cord , or it may irritate the spinal cord itself. The 7 vertebrae between the head and the chest make up the cervical spine. Squeezing the nerves and cord in the cervical spine can change how the spinal cord functions and cause stiffness, pain, and numbness in the neck, arms, and legs. Other problems can include a loss of bowel and bladder control (incontinence). Cervical spinal stenosis can be crippling if the spinal cord is damaged.

Answer 2

Cervical Spinal Stenosis


Cervical spinal stenosis means a constriction or lack of the usual space for the spinal cord in the neck. The spinal cord is a complex neurological structure running through the spine with longitudinal nerve fiber tracts, exiting nerves and centers of nerve cells all providing important functions for parts of the body at or below the segment in question. The term "spinal stenosis" can sometimes refer to an actual front to back measurement of the spinal canal on X-rays which might suggest the possibility of spinal cord compression without visualizing it directly. Some individuals can have a "congenital" stenosis, meaning that the space in their spinal canal from birth is smaller than in most people. In many instances, the term "spinal stenosis" is used to mean actual spinal cord compression on diagnostic studies relative to the dimension of the cord for that person at other "normal" segments. Herniated Cervical Disc as a cause of spinal cord compression has been discussed on other pages. The term "spondylosis" is also used to describe degenerative changes in the spine with build-up of bone spurs, especially those around the disc spaces and in the direction of the spinal cord.

Answer 3

The cervical spine (neck) is made up of a series of connected bones called vertebrae. The bones protect the spinal canal that runs through the vertebrae and carries the spinal cord. The spinal cord contains nerves that give strength and sensation to the arms and legs, and provide bowel and bladder control. Numerous connections (discs, joints, ligaments and muscles) between the cervical vertebrae provide support, stability and allow motion.

With age, intervertebral discs become less spongy and lose water content. This can lead to reduced disc height and bulging of the hardened disc into the spinal canal. The bones and ligaments of the spinal joints thicken and enlarge, also pushing into the spinal canal. These changes are common after age 50 and are generally called “cervical spondylosis” or “cervical stenosis.”

Cervical stenosis may occur at a very slow or very fast rate. These changes cause narrowing of the spinal canal and can pinch the spinal cord and nerve roots. Spinal cord or nerve function may be affected, causing symptoms of cervical radiculopathy or myelopathy. (Cervical stenosis is the name for the actual narrowing of the canal, while cervical myelopathy indicates injury to the spinal cord and its function.)