Cervical Stenosis

The spine, or backbone, protects the spinal cord and allows standing and bending. The spine is made up of 26 bones called vertebrae. The cervical spine (neck region) consists of seven bones (C1-C7 vertebrae). Cervical stenosis causes narrowing in the spine in the neck area. The narrowing puts pressure on the nerves and spinal cord and can cause pain.

Cervical stenosis occurs mostly in people older than 50. Younger people with a neck injury or a narrow spinal canal are also at risk. Diseases such as arthritis can cause cervical stenosis too.

Symptoms of Cervical Stenosis

Symptoms might appear gradually or not at all. They include:

• Pain in the neck
• Numbness, weakness, cramping, or pain in the arms
• Pain going down the arm
• Hand problems

Doctors diagnose cervical stenosis with a physical exam and imaging tests. Treatments include medications, physical therapy, braces, and surgery.