Cervical Spinal Stenosis

Cervical spinal stenosis occurs when the spinal canal in the neck narrows, causing compression of the spinal cord or nerves. This condition can lead to symptoms such as neck pain, numbness, weakness, and difficulty with coordination or walking.

Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are important to manage symptoms effectively and prevent further complications. Treatment options range from conservative approaches to surgical interventions, tailored to the severity of the condition.

Cervical Spine Function and Degeneration

The spinal column of the neck forms the initial connection from the brain to the rest of the body. Hence it is an important region in controlling the nervous function throughout the upper and lower limbs.

The high degree of mobility within this region makes it susceptible for age-related degeneration. These degradative changes are the most common cause for the narrowing of the spinal canal which may affect nerve transmission.

Symptoms of Cervical Spinal Stenosis

Symptoms of cervical spinal stenosis can vary depending on how much pressure is placed on the spinal cord or nerves. Common signs include:

• Neck pain due to the arthritic changes of the cervical spine
• Compression by herniated discs within the canal may result in severe shooting pain which travels down the upper limb of the affected side. (commonly referred to as Cervical Radiculopathy)
• Circumferential reduction in the caliber of the canal can result in progressive clumsiness of the hands and unsteadiness on walking. (commonly referred to as Cervical Myelopathy)
• Numbness and weakness in the upper limbs or even lower limbs may arise when nerves are severely constricted.
• On occasion, this can even lead to permanent loss of bladder and bowel control.

Diagnosing Cervical Spinal Stenosis

Other conditions such as fractures, infections, or tumours can also put pressure on the spinal cord or nerves and cause similar symptoms. That’s why an accurate diagnosis is essential to identify the true cause of your condition.

To begin, Dr. Mark Tan BH will perform:

• A thorough review of your medical history
• A complete physical examination, including tests for nerve function

Based on the findings, additional imaging or diagnostic tests may be recommended to confirm the diagnosis. These may include:

• X-rays (Radiographs)
• CT scans
• MRI scans

Non-Surgical Treatment for Cervical Spinal Stenosis

For patients with mild to moderate symptoms, non-surgical options are usually the first step. This may include:

• Oral pain medications
• Referral to physiotherapy to improve mobility and relieve symptoms

On occasion, epidural steroid injections and radiofrequency ablation techniques may be utilized to facilitate physiotherapy and expedite early return to function.

Surgical Options for Cervical Spinal Stenosis

Surgical treatment may be recommended when there is:

• Severe compression of the nerves within the spinal canal
• Failure of conservative management
• Intractable pain despite oral medication
• Development of neurological symptoms such as weakness and numbness
• Progressive loss of dexterity and gait unsteadiness

In such cases, Dr Mark Tan BH’s choice of surgery will be tailored according to your specific condition and requirements. These include:

• Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF)
• Anterior Cervical Disc Replacement (ADR)
• Posterior Cervical Decompression and Fusion
• Posterior Cervical Laminoplasty

These are routine surgeries with extremely high success rates.

Managing Cervical Spinal Stenosis

Ongoing management of cervical spinal stenosis depends on the severity of symptoms and how the condition progresses over time. While some individuals respond well to conservative treatment, others may eventually require surgery to maintain function and relieve nerve compression.

If you’re experiencing symptoms, consulting a spine specialist such as Dr Mark Tan BH in Singapore can help determine a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.