Symptoms of the cervical spine

In spinal canal stenosis of the cervical spine, the symptoms initially occur primarily in the area of the hands and arms. This can be explained by the fact that the nerve tracts that supply the hands and arms originate in the spinal cord in the area of the cervical spine. There are nerve fibers that transmit sensations in the arms such as touch, temperature or pain to the brain, as well as other nerves that send signals in the opposite direction from the brain to control the muscles and thus the movement of the arms.

If a spinal canal stenosis of the cervical spine results in compression of the nerve roots exiting the spinal canal, this can initially manifest itself, for example, in increasing clumsiness of the hands. This can be noticeable by difficulties in buttoning the shirt, threading a needle or grasping small objects. Often the typeface then also changes.

If the spinal stenosis progresses further, objects may fall out of the hand, such as the coffee cup at breakfast. In advanced stages of the disease, some patients also suffer from an unsteady gait. Many affected persons report a feeling “like wood or cement” in their legs and the gait pattern is broad-legged.

In addition, sensations such as tingling or “formication” can occur in the arms and hands. However, none of the symptoms described here clearly indicate spinal stenosis of the cervical spine as the cause. With these unspecific symptoms, there are many possible explanations or underlying diseases. For this reason, a physician should be consulted in the event of corresponding symptoms, who can make a diagnosis through specific examinations. Further information on this topic: Spinal canal stenosis in the cervical spine

Symptoms of BWS

Spinal canal stenosis of the thoracic spine (BWS) is an extremely rare clinical picture, also known as thoracic spinal canal stenosis. Even though it does not result from wear and tear alone, like spinal canal stenosis of the lumbar spine, the resulting symptoms are similar. Frequently, gait insecurity and gait disorders occur.

In addition, there may be sensory disturbances in the trunk area. Another possible symptom may be a disorder of bladder and bowel emptying. Back pain is also an accompanying symptom. A typical feature of the rare spinal canal stenosis in the thoracic spine is that the symptoms are much more pronounced than if the stenosis is located in the lumbar spine. Ultimately, a possible stenosis of the spinal canal can only be detected by an imaging procedure.