Spinal stenosis occurs when the spinal cord in the neck (cervical spine) or the spinal nerve roots in the lower back (lumbar spine) are compressed. Symptoms of lumbar stenosis often include leg pain (sciatica) and leg tingling, weakness, or numbness. Arm pain is a typical symptom of cervical spinal stenosis. For cervical spinal stenosis with myelopathy, difficulty with coordination often occurs.

Stenosis treatment may include non-surgical options (exercise, anti-inflammatory medication, epidural injections, and activity modification) or back surgery.

Central canal stenosis may result in the compression of the spinal cord, causing symptoms and signs to occur anywhere along the neck, arms, torso, and/or legs.

Central canal stenosis is typically caused by age-related and/or degenerative changes in the spine. Elderly men and East Asians may have a higher risk of developing this condition.

Cervical foraminal stenosis happens when one or more intervertebral foramina become narrowed within the neck, which may compress a spinal nerve.

When nonsurgical treatments fail to manage pain, tingling, numbness, and/or weakness associated with cervical foraminal stenosis, surgery may be considered.
Cervical stenosis with myelopathy is a degenerative condition that pinches the spinal cord. Symptoms of cervical spinal stenosis vary and most often occur in elderly patients.
A medical examination allows a doctor to review and confirm the clinical signs of central canal stenosis. Medical imaging tests may be ordered as necessary to confirm the location and severity of the stenosis.

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