Article
Central Canal Stenosis
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.
Spinal Stenosis
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 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.
Article
Cervical Foraminal Stenosis
Cervical foraminal stenosis happens when one or more intervertebral foramina become narrowed within the neck, which may compress a spinal nerve.
Getting an accurate diagnosis for what specifically is causing cervical foraminal stenosis is important for setting up an effective treatment plan.
When nonsurgical treatments fail to manage pain, tingling, numbness, and/or weakness associated with cervical foraminal stenosis, surgery may be considered.
Cervical foraminal stenosis may involve neck pain, radicular arm pain, and/or numbness or weakness that goes into the shoulder, arm, or hand.
Treatment for cervical foraminal stenosis depends on the severity of the condition as well as whether the symptoms continue to worsen or not.
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.
An accurate diagnosis is required to distinguish cervical stenosis with myelopathy from other conditions with similar symptoms.
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.
