Overview
Cervical spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the space for the spinal cord and nerve roots in the neck. It is most often caused by wear-and-tear changes that build up over years.
Some people have narrowing on imaging with few symptoms. Others develop neck pain, arm symptoms from pinched nerves (radiculopathy) or signs of spinal cord compression (myelopathy). Treatment depends on which of these is present.
Watch and learn
Video: “Cervical Spinal Stenosis - Mayo Clinic” from Mayo Clinic on YouTube. It loads from youtube-nocookie.com only when you press play. Shown for general education; GSMC did not produce it. Watch on YouTube
Captions: press the CC button in the video player to turn on captions. Some captions are generated automatically by YouTube and may contain errors.
Symptoms
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Pain, numbness or tingling into the shoulder, arm or hand
- Weak grip or clumsy hands
- Balance or walking changes (a sign of cord compression)
Causes
- Disc degeneration and bulging discs
- Bone spurs from facet and uncovertebral joint arthritis
- Thickened ligaments
- Congenitally narrow canal
- Spondylolisthesis or prior injury
How it is diagnosed
A neurological exam and MRI are the main tools. X-rays show alignment and arthritis; CT may show bone spurs in more detail; EMG can help sort out nerve versus other causes of arm symptoms.
Treatment options, step by step
A spine surgeon looks at the whole picture, including options short of surgery. Not every step applies to every person.
Self-care and lifestyle
Posture changes, gentle neck mobility and activity modification for neck pain and mild arm symptoms.
Physical therapy and medications
Physical therapy and medicines such as anti-inflammatories or nerve pain medicines.
Injections and nerve blocks
Cervical epidural steroid injections or selective nerve root blocks may ease arm pain from a pinched nerve.
Minimally invasive procedures
Minimally invasive approaches may be options for selected single-level problems.
Surgical evaluation
Surgery is considered for myelopathy, progressive weakness or arm pain that does not improve.
Nonsurgical alternatives
Many spine problems are managed without surgery. See our nonsurgical options and holistic and lifestyle care guides.
Related surgeries
- ACDF (Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion)
- Cervical Disc Replacement
- Posterior Cervical Fusion
- Laminotomy / Foraminotomy
Call 732-202-3000 to confirm which surgeon performs this procedure and where.
When to seek urgent care
Call 911 or go to the emergency department for new or rapidly worsening weakness, numbness in the groin or inner thighs, loss of bladder or bowel control, or severe pain after a fall or accident.
Frequently asked questions
Does stenosis always need surgery?
No. Many people with neck pain or arm symptoms improve with therapy, medicines and injections. Signs of spinal cord compression are the main reason surgery is recommended sooner.
Is cervical stenosis the same as arthritis?
Arthritis of the neck joints is a common cause of stenosis, but stenosis refers specifically to narrowing of the spaces for the cord and nerves.
What should I watch for?
New hand clumsiness, balance trouble, leg weakness or bladder changes should be reported promptly.
This page is general patient education and does not replace advice from your own clinician. Individual results vary.