19 Oct 5 Signs That Indicate You May Have Cervical Stenosis
Cervical stenosis is a bone disease where the cavity in the neck that houses the spinal cord or nerve root gets smaller. This constriction may produce complex neurological conditions and severe pain. The condition can be treated if it is diagnosed early on. This also prevents further complications.
Listed below are five signs that may indicate you have cervical stenosis:
- Neck Pain and Stiffness
The initial and main symptom of cervical stenosis is chronic neck discomfort and stiffness. You may experience discomfort and pain primarily in the neck region or a feeling of tightness in your muscles that restricts the range of movement of your head. While this stiffness may only show up in certain situations, it tends to become worse with time as the spinal canal starts to narrow further. The pain you experience may vary depending on your posture, how far you move, your posture during work, or when you remain stationary for long periods of time.
The causes of cervical stenosis include degenerative disc disease, bone spurs, and injuries that lead to inflammation of the spinal canal. The most common cause of these changes is aging which causes wearing out of the spine, resulting in degenerative disc disease and arthritis that affects the spinal joints.
- Numbness or Tingling in the Arms and Hands
Cervical stenosis has been found to, as it advances, lead to nerve impingement, with symptoms including numbness and a tingling sensation in the arms, hands, and, in some instances, legs. These sensations can be described as feeling “pins and needles” and may worsen as the disease progresses. These symptoms may be present only during certain tasks, for example, when typing a text message on a phone or holding objects, and can develop into a constant sensation.
- Muscle Weakness in the Limbs
Another symptom of cervical stenosis is muscle weakness, especially in the arms and hands. Those with the condition often feel their muscle weakness getting worse over time, leading to the inability to lift things or perform delicate operations. In severe cases, this weakness may be generalized and involve weakness in the legs, which leads to impaired balance and walking. This loss of control is caused by the signal that the spinal cord sends to the muscles being weakened.
- Difficulty with Coordination and Balance
When cervical stenosis worsens, it affects coordination and balance and causes additional neurological symptoms. When the spinal cord is compressed, the transmission of nerve impulses that initiate movement is affected. Sometimes, you may trip or fumble when carrying objects or performing tasks that require delicate motions, like buttoning a shirt or tying shoe laces. Some people may also experience a decline in balance or coordination, which can become increasingly worse over time.
- Loss of Bladder or Bowel Control
A further, more serious symptom of cervical stenosis is the inability to control urination or bowel movements. This is because there may be a compression of the spinal cord on the nerves responsible for controlling these functions. This is a rarity; however, if you experience such symptoms, it must be reported to the doctor immediately since it is an indication of severe neurological disorders. The loss of control may occur progressively or may be acute, and patients admitted for surgery often complain of increasing weakness in lower limbs or numbness.
Despite this, and although cervical stenosis can affect the quality of life of the patient, it must be mentioned that other pathologies also cause the same symptoms. For instance, Piriformis syndrome affects the sciatic nerve and primarily presents itself through symptoms in the lower back and legs, not the neck.
If you experience any of these symptoms, please be sure to consult with your health care provider.
More information:
- https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/women-s-health-issues/miscellaneous-gynecologic-abnormalities/cervical-stenosis#Diagnosis_v812076
- https://www.webmd.com/back-pain/spinal-stenosis
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Last Updated on October 19, 2024 by Marie Benz MD FAAD