Stenosis of the Neck

The spinal column — containing the spinal cord, the vertebrae, accompanying discs and the long branches of nerves — all fit into a compact, tight space. Any trauma or disease affecting this column can cause symptoms ranging from mildly irritating to excruciating.

Spinal stenosis of the neck involves the narrowing of the spaces within the vertebrae of your neck, putting pressure on the nerves that travel through and exit the spinal column. Stenosis can occur in your lower back as well, but the tighter space of the neck makes it particularly susceptible. Most people who experience neck stenosis are over the age of 50, though there are rare cases of a congenital condition.

Neck Stenosis Basics

Neck stenosis can result from a variety of causes, such as:

The wear and tear of aging
Overgrowth of bone to form bone spurs
Herniated discs
Thickened ligaments, the tough cords holding the bones of the spine together, that bulge into the spinal column
Age-related destruction of cartilage
Tumors

Additionally, spinal injuries – such as car accidents, falls, sports injuries or other traumas – cause dislocations or fractures of one or more vertebrae. The displaced bone or swollen tissue puts pressure on your spinal cord and nerves.

Symptoms of Neck Stenosis

Some individuals have neck stenosis and are asymptomatic, meaning they experience absolutely no symptoms. Others have mild to moderate symptoms, but some can be debilitating. These symptoms can include:

Neck pain
Tingling or numbness in your hands, arms, feet or legs
Weakness in hands, arms, feet or legs
Problems with walking or balance
Severe cases may result in bowel or bladder dysfunction

Complications of Untreated Spinal Stenosis of the Neck

While minor herniated discs may resolve on their own, most of the other reasons spinal stenosis of the neck forms require some kind of medical treatment. If left untreated, the narrowing compression can lead to permanent disability, numbness, weakness, balance problems, incontinence, and even paralysis.

Your NYC sports and pain specialist diagnoses neck stenosis by combining information from one or more of the following procedures:

A complete medical history
An explanation of the extent of your symptoms
Onset description2
Physical exam
X-rays of the cervical vertebra
Magnetic resonance imaging or MRI
Computed tomography or CT scan
Blood work to rule out multiple sclerosis or vitamin B12 deficiency

Conservative Neck Stenosis Treatment

If you’re asymptomatic or your symptoms are mild, exercise and self-care — including modified activity and rest — may be sufficient. If these don’t help, your doctor may suggest:

Pain relievers like ibuprofen, naproxen and acetaminophen
Anti-depressants used for chronic pain anti-seizure drugs like gabapentin and pregabalin that reduce pain caused by damaged nerves
Opioids such as codeine-related drugs for short-term use
Physical therapy to build strength and endurance, maintain flexibility and improve balance
Steroid injections to help reduce inflammation and relieve pain

Aggressive Neck Stenosis Treatment

If conservative methods aren’t giving you the relief you need from the pain, tingling, and discomfort of spinal stenosis, your NYC pain specialist has surgical options available:

This procedure removes the back part (lamina) or the thickened ligament of the affected vertebra. This eases the pressure on your nerves and may be done in conjunction with spinal fusion for spine strength.
This procedure also removes part of the lamina, but usually through a hole just large enough for pressure release.
A hinge is created on the lamina with metal hardware bridging the gap.

The goal of the surgery is to relieve pressure on your spinal cord or nerve roots by creating more space within the spinal canal. As with any surgery, risks are present. Possible risks include the pain continuing or worsening, a tear in the membrane that covers your spinal cord, blood clots in a leg vein or neurological deterioration.

Aftercare and Beyond

After neck stenosis surgery, recovery time takes four to six weeks. As you heal, you may need to incorporate a combination of the following on a regular basis:

Pain relievers, especially the over-the-counter variety
Hot or cold packs
Maintaining a healthy weight
Exercising to include stretching and strengthening motions
Cane or walker use to allow you to bend forward while walking, reducing pressure

The goal of your Manhattan pain specialist is to search for the neck stenosis treatment that gives you the most relief of your symptoms. He finds treatments that work to ensure your condition doesn’t worsen. Healthy and honest communication with your doctor about your lifestyle, history, and symptoms makes you an active partner in your neck and spine health.

Febin Melepura, MD is a top rated, best in class interventional pain management doctor. He is a nationally recognized pain relief specialist and is among the top pain care doctors in New York City and the country. He is an award winning expert and contributor to a prominent media outlets.

Dr. Febin Melepura has been recognized for his thoughtful, thorough, modern approach to treating chronic pain and, among other accolades, has been named a “top pain management doctor in New York”, and one of “America’s Top Doctors™” for an advanced sports injury treatments.