Symptoms of spinal canal stenosis in the cervical spine

By narrowing the spinal canal, the spinal cord running in the canal can be compressed. In the cervical spine, the spinal cord still contains all the nerve fibers that supply the body with motor and sensory energy up to the feet. In the cervical spine, it is mainly the sensitive and motor fibers for the upper extremities that can be affected, but it can also lead to restrictions in the sense of balance, coordination disorders and even cross-sectional symptoms.

Due to the arrangement of the fibers in the spinal cord, the upper extremity is often affected first. Sensory disturbances such as tingling or numbness, the sense of temperature, or even the sensation of pain can be altered. If motor fibers are affected, muscle weakness or paralysis of the affected muscles occurs.

In cases of severe constriction, fibers of the lower extremity can also be constricted. The corresponding symptoms can then be found there. Nerve fibers, which are important for the sense of balance and coordination, also partly run in the cervical spinal cord. Therefore, restrictions in these areas can also occur. Local back pain, headaches or muscle tension often occur.

Surgery for spinal stenosis in the cervical spine

Since the nerve tissue is very sensitive and can be quickly irreversibly damaged by pressure, a pronounced cervical spinal stenosis often requires surgery. There are various surgical techniques by which the spinal canal can be widened and thus the nerve tissue can be relieved. One speaks of a decompression operation.

There are surgical techniques in which the spinal column is operated on from the front, but there are also operations that are performed from the back. One variant, for example, removes the intervertebral disc, thereby enlarging the spinal canal. The missing disc is then replaced by a placeholder.

The removal of the vertebral arch or the vertebral body is also possible, but then surgical stabilization is also indicated. Following the operation, immobilization and rehabilitative physiotherapeutic post-operative treatment must be performed. You have had an operation and are looking for information on post-operative treatment?

Then this article is the right one for you: OP Spinal Canal Stenosis Cervical Spine – AftercareThere is a surgical risk especially with invasive procedures. The filigree tissue in the cervical spine can be remodeled with scarring, which in turn can lead to constriction or nerve root compression, resulting in pain and neurological symptoms. The mobility of the spinal column can be restricted by the operation, which can lead to ongoing problems in other parts of the spinal column. It can also lead to a collapse of the vertebral bodies, which can cause vital structures to be squeezed. Minimally invasive procedures have fewer risks.There is a risk of infection in any operation that involves injury to the skin, and this risk cannot be prevented even by minimally invasive surgery.